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Tag: Shaykh Al-Albaani

Concerning the Dancing of Women – Shaykh Al-Albaanee

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Question: We know that a woman’s dancing in front of her husband, and likewise her dancing with women, which is swaying, and the dabkah [1] of men are forbidden, but what is the proof for that? Please provide us with some insight on this, may Allaah reward you.

Answer: This question consists of three parts:

First: A woman dancing in front of her husband
Second: Her dancing in front of other women
Third: The dabkah performed by men

As for the first part, which is a woman’s dancing in front of her husband. If her dancing is natural and not professional – meaning that she learned how to dance, as is the fashion of this time – even if she stirs the desires of the man, then there is no text that can be found that forbids this. But this is on the condition that it occurs between her and her husband only. As for the case where she has learned to dance and she applies the principles of modern-day dancing, then this is not permissible. This is because I believe that if she will do that in front of her husband, then she will surely also do it in front of other men besides her husband.

As for her dancing in front of other women, then I also say that if her objective in dancing is to dance this modern style of dancing, then it is clear that it is not permissible. And if it is said: “What is the proof for what you have stated?” I say:

Moderation in matters is very rare; there is either excessiveness or there is negligence. This is especially the case with people who have lived a long period of time in deviation of a specific nature. Then when it becomes clarified to them that this matter was a deviation and that the Religion rejects it, they turn away from it and introduce in place of that, a severe reaction.

This is what has befallen us in this present time with regard to the issue of demanding the proof in place of the liberation from blind following. The Muslims, both special and common people, have lived long generations not knowing anything but the madh-hab of so and so and the madh-hab of so and so – four madh-habs, the madh-habs of Ahl-us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah. And this is not to mention the other madh-habs, those that have deviated from the Sunnah and the Jamaa’ah. As for relying on what Allaah and his Messenger, sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said for support, then this was only found in the generations that have received testimony of their excellence. Then that affair came to an end for a point in time until there came the time of Ibn Taimiyyah and those of his students who were devoted to him. So they informed the Muslims of the obligation of returning back to what the first Salaf (predecessors) were upon, such as relying on the Qur’aan and the Sunnah for support.

There is no doubt that the Call of Ibn Taimiyyah and his students had a positive effect. However, its scope was very weak during his time and intellectual impassiveness (i.e. not reflecting on proofs) took over and became dominant amongst the special classes of people, not to mention the common ones.

Then there followed succeeding generations in which this re-awakening that Shaikh-ul-Islaam Ibn Taimiyyah ignited died out. And the Muslims turned back to their indifference of comprehending and understanding (i.e. the evidences), until this present time and a brief period before it, for many scholars rose to take charge of the Da’wah’s revival, due to the need of returning to the Qur’aan and the Sunnah. They were preceded in some of that by Shaikh Muhammad Ibn ‘Abd-il-Wahhaab, for in reality, he called to the following of the Qur’aan and the Sunnah. But looking at the areas in which the Arabs of Najd during Shaikh Muhammad’s land used to live in, and considering the paganism that took place in their lands, his greatest effort was in showing strong concern for Tawheed.

And as is very natural, in my opinion, such that mankind’s ability is limited, he was not able to wage his war on every front, as they say. So because of this, all of his efforts were geared towards spreading the call of Tawheed and waging war against paganism and idolatry. And he received all the success in that and his splendid Call was spread all over the Islaamic world afterwards. And this was even though, unfortunately, there occurred fighting between him and his opponents. But this is the Sunnah (Way) of Allaah with regard to His creation. And you will not find any change in the Sunnah (Way) of Allaah.

However, in current times, the scholars have renewed their call to the Book and the Sunnah and thus many of the common and special people in the Arab lands have re-awakened. As for the non-Arab lands, then unfortunately they are still in a state of sleep.

These Arab lands have been tested by a reversal, which is what I have indicated previously, such that some of them do not stop at the middle point of moderation. Instead they know of one thing and are ignorant of another thing. So you will see the common man who doesn’t understand anything, when he asks the scholar on any subject “What is its ruling?”, regardless of whether the answer is a denial and a negation, he begins with his demand: “What is the proof?”

And sometimes that scholar is not able to establish the proof, especially if the proof is deduced and adopted through thorough research, and it is not stated in a specific text in the Qur’aan and the Sunnah. So in issues of this nature, it is not proper for the questioner to go deep and say: “What is the proof?” And it is required that the questioner know himself. Is he from the people that understand evidences or not? Does he have any share in knowledge of the general (‘aam) and the specific (khaas), the unrestricted (mutlaq) and the restricted (muqayyad), the abrogating (naasikh) and the abrogated (mansookh). So if the person does not understand any of these things, then does he get any benefit from saying: “What is the proof”?! For what?! – For the ruling on a woman dancing in front of her husband or her dancing in front of her Muslim sister, whether it is either permissible or forbidden! And the dabkah of men! He wants the proof for that! But in reality, there is no textual proof from the Messenger, sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, on that matter that exists for us. There is only investigation, deduction and the acquisition of understanding for it.

Due to this, we say at certain times: Not every issue has an explicit proof that can be presented in detail, which every Muslim can understand, whether he is a common unlettered person or a student of knowledge. But this is not for all the issues. This is why Allaah, the Most High, says: “Ask the people of knowledge if you don’t know.”

From the extremism that we indicated previously – and due to it, the most ignorant of people has begun to decline the proof – is that many of those who attribute themselves to the Book and the Sunnah. They believe that the scholar, when he is asked on an issue, it is obligatory upon him to link “Allaah said and His Messenger sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said” with his answer.

I say that this is not an obligation, and that it is from the benefits of belonging to the methodology of the Salaf As-Saalih (righteous predecessors). And furthermore, their biographies and their fataawaa (religious verdicts) is a proof in action for what I have stated. So based on this, mentioning the proof is obligatory when the situation necessitates it, however it is not an obligation on him every time he is asked a question to say: “Allaah says such and such” or “The Messenger of Allaah, sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said such and such.” And this is especially if the issues are from the detailed and intricate issues of Fiqh in which there are differences of opinion.

Furthermore, the saying of Allaah:

“Ask the people of knowledge if you don’t know” is first of all in the unrestricted sense, so all you have to do is ask someone whom you feel is from the people of knowledge. And when you hear the answer from him, then it is upon you to follow it, unless you have a doubt about it due to what you heard from another scholar. There is no harm in you mentioning that to him. So at that point, the scholar must make an effort, with the knowledge he has, to remove this doubt presented by the questioner.

In summary: A woman dancing in front of her husband, along with the condition mentioned previously, is permissible. As for her dancing in front of other women, then it has two forms also, as we have stated before. With regard to a woman dancing in front of her husband, then if her dancing is not joined with professionalism, but rather it is just a moving and waving of hands. And there is no shaking of ones hips or those sorts of things that stir the desires, then there is also no problem with this dancing. If it is correct to call it dancing!

But if any of those (evil) things mentioned above are found in it, then refraining from it is the original principle. As for the dabkah of men, then if it is in imitation of the dances, which we see are normally joined with singing, not to mention that there are words mentioned in it that are not from the Religion, then this is lahw (vain pastime) and it is not encouraged. Rather, it is encouraged to stay away from it, as the Prophet, sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “Every lahw (vain pastime) the Son of Adam engages in is falsehood, except his playing with his wife, his playing with his horse, archery and learning to swim.” So due to this hadeeth, we hold the opinion that it is falsehood.

So if this is the condition of the pure vain pastime in that we are encouraged to refrain from it and that is not from the truthful matters, then we say that it allowable, so long as is not accompanied with something that opposes the Religion. However, it is an allowance that must be weighed by the hadeeth that I have mentioned previously.

But in my opinion, and Allaah knows best for I have not witnessed any of these dabkahs, it is not possible for it to be free from any opposition to the Religion. And this is because, for example, we have heard the dabkah at times, and it is not just it alone. Rather, we hear along with it, music, the mu’adhdhin calling the Adhaan and the Imaam reciting the Qur’aan out loud. And they do not care about anything else but instead they are busy with their vain pastime. Therefore, the dabkah is from the vain pastimes that must be weighed and determined. And we do not say that it is Haraam (forbidden) unless it is combined with something that goes against the Religion from one of the aspects, for then it would turn without a doubt into something Haraam (forbidden).

Footnotes:

[1] Translator’s note: A dabkah in Arabic is a dance in which people form a line by holding each other’s arms. The question is with regard to this dance being performed by a group of men.

Published: January 17, 2005 | Modified: January 17, 2005

Weak Reports – “Take what you wish from the Qur’aan for whatever you wish” – Shaykh Al-Albaanee

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“Take what you wish from the Qur’aan for whatever you wish.”
AUTHOR: Imaam Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen Al-Albaanee
SOURCE: His treatise: “Kayfa Yajibu ‘alaynaa an Nufassir al-Qur’aan”
PRODUCED BY: Al-Ibaanah.com

[Read or Download PDF]

[1] Question: Noble Shaikh, I read a hadeeth in a small book, which states: “Take what you wish from the Qur’aan for whatever you wish (i.e. need).” Is this hadeeth authentic? Please benefit us, may Allaah reward you.

[1] Answer: This hadeeth: “Take what you wish from the Qur’aan for whatever you wish (i.e. need)” is a hadeeth that has become famous amongst some tongues. But unfortunately, it is one of those hadeeths that have no basis in the Sunnah. So because of this, it is not permissible to report it or ascribe it to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم.

Furthermore, this vast and comprehensive understanding (found in the hadeeth) is not valid and not established at all in the Legislation of Islaam: “Take what you wish from the Qur’aan for whatever you wish.” So for example, (this hadeeth indicates that) I can just sit at home and not go out to work in my job or occupation, instead seeking sustenance from my Lord – that He send it down to me from the sky – since I am taking what I wish from the Qur’aan! Who says such a thing!!!

Therefore, this is a false statement. Perhaps it is a narration that was fabricated by those lazy Sufis who are accustomed to sitting and residing in those places they call ribaataat (hospices). They gather in these areas and sit there awaiting Allaah’s sustenance from those people who bring it to them. This is in spite of them knowing that this is not from the nature of a Muslim since the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم nurtured everyone to have high aspirations and to be dignified, as he صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “The upper hand is better than the lower hand. The upper hand is the one that gives and the lower hand is the one that asks (i.e. begs).” [2]

Concerning this topic, I was amazed by a story I once read regarding one of these ascetics and Sufis, but I will not prolong it since their tales are many and bizarre:

They claim that one of them went out one time traveling throughout the land without any provisions. So it got to the point that he was about to die from hunger when a village appeared to him from afar, so he walked to it. This was on a Friday. According to his perception, he had gone out while putting all of his reliance upon Allaah. So in order not to invalidate this so called “reliance”, according to his view, he didn’t make himself visible to the gathering of people in the masjid. Rather, he hid himself under the mimbar (pulpit) so that no one would notice him. But he kept telling himself that perhaps someone would detect him. In the meantime, the speaker (khateeb) delivered his sermon and this man failed to pray along with the congregation! After, the Imaam finished giving his sermon and praying, the people began exiting the doors of the masjid in groups and individually. This was such that the man felt that the masjid would soon be empty, at which point the doors would be locked and he would remain alone in the masjid without any food or drink.

So he had no choice but to make some sounds like that of one clearing his throat in order to let those present known that he was there. Some people realized someone was there so they went and found a man that looked like he had nearly transformed to just bones due to hunger and thirst. The people took hold of him and rushed to assist him.

They asked him: “Who are you, sir?”
He replied: “I am a zaahid (ascetic), one who puts his reliance in Allaah.”

They said: “How can you say ‘I am one who puts his reliance in Allaah’ when you almost died. If you had truly put your reliance in Allaah, you would not have asked (for help), nor would you have alerted the people to your presence by clearing your throat. And as a result you would have died due to your sin!”

This is an example of the extent that can be reached due to the likes of this hadeeth: “Take what you wish from the Qur’aan for whatever you wish (i.e. need).”

To summarize: This hadeeth has no basis to it.

Footnotes:
[1] Silsilat-ul-Ahaadeeth ad-Da’eefah (557)
[2] Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree (1429) and the wording is from him and Saheeh Muslim (1033)

 

Al-Qadr & the Hadeeth that Allaah will take Two Handfuls of People – Shaykh al-Albanee

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Taken from ‘Silsilah Ahadeeth As-Saheehah’
By the Muhaddith, Shaykh, Allamaa’ Muhammad Nasir uddeen al-Albaani
Translated by Abbas Abu Yahya

‘Al-Qadr & the hadeeth that Allaah will take two Handfuls of people is true.

46 – Ibn Umar narrates that the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- said about these two Handfuls:

‘These people are for this (Paradise) and these are for that (Hellfire).’

Ibn Umar continues:

‘The people went away and they did not differ regarding Qadr.’

[Collected by al-Mukhalis in ‘al-Fawaid al Muntaqa’, Bazaar and by Tabaraanee in ‘Al-Mu’jam as-Sagheer.  Its isnaad is saheeh according to the conditions of Imaam Muslim.]

47 – Anas narrates from the Messenger -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- that he said:

‘Indeed Allaah – Azza wa Jall- took a Handful and said; In Paradise, by My Mercy and took another Handful and said: In the Fire and I am not troubled.’

[Collected by Abu Ya’laa in his ‘Musnad’, al-Uqaylee in ‘Du’afah’, Ibn Adee in ‘al-Kaamil’ and ad-Dulabee in ‘Al-Asma wal-kuna’. The hadeeth is saheeh.]

48 – AbdurRahmaan bin Qatada as-Sulami narrates from the Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- that he said:

‘Indeed Allaah – Azza wa Jall – created Adam then took out the rest of creation from his back and said: These are for Paradise and I am not troubled and these are for the Hellfire and I am not troubled.’

So a person said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah! How should we perform our actions?’

He -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- answered,

‘As and when Qadr happens.’

[Collected by Ahmad, Ibn Sa’d in ‘at-Tabaqaat’, Ibn Hibbaan in his ‘Saheeh’ and al-Haakim.  Al-Haakim said it was saheeh, ath-Dhahabi agreed and it is as they said.]

Ibn Jarir collected an additional wording in his ‘Tafseer’ as did al-Aajurree in ‘Ash-Sharee’ah’ as follows:

‘And Allaah made the people testify regarding their own selves.’

49 – Abu Darda narrates from the Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam:

‘Allaah created Adam and when He did, He hit Adam’s right shoulder and extracted offspring who were white, as though they were ears of corn.  He hit Adam’s left shoulder and extracted offspring who were black, as though they were charcoal, He said to those from Adam’s right shoulder: To Paradise and I am not troubled and He said to those from Aadam’s left shoulder to Hellfire and I am not troubled.’

[Collected by Ahmad and his son in ‘Zawaid al Musnad’, Bazaar and ibn Asaakir in ‘Tareekh Damishq.  I say, its isnaad is saheeh.]

50 – Abu Nadrah said:

A man from the Companions of Allaah’s Messenger -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam-became sick.  His friends came to visit him and he began to cry so it was said to him:

‘What makes you cry Abu Abdullaah?  Didn’t the Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- say to you:

‘Take from your portion and be settled with that until you meet me.’

The man answered: ‘Of course, but I heard the Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- saying:

‘Indeed Allaah, -Tabaraka wa Ta’ala- took a Handful with His right and said: These are for this [Paradise], and I am not troubled and He took another Handful i.e. with His Other Hand and said: These are for this [Hell-Fire] and I am not troubled.’

The man said: ‘I do not know in which of the two Handfuls I am in.’

[Collected by Ahmad and Bazaar and its isnaad is saheeh.]

‘Many people presume from these Ahadeeth – and there are many ahaadeeth like these – that a person is forced to do the actions he chooses to do, especially since it had been destined for him from old when he was created for either Paradise or Hellfire.

There are others who might presume that the issue is chaotic or by chance i.e. that whoever fell in amongst the Right Handful is from the people of bliss and whoever fell in the other Handful is from the people of misery.

Therefore, it is necessary that all of these people together know that concerning Allaah, He is:

<<There is nothing like unto Him and He is The All-Hearing, The All-Seeing>>

[ash-Shura (42):11]

not in His Essence nor in His Attributes.

Therefore, if Allaah takes a Handful, then it is with His Knowledge, His Justice and His Wisdom.  So Allaah Ta’ala took a Handful with the Right – those whom He knew would obey Him when He commanded them with obedience to Him – and He took another Handful with the others – of whom His knowledge, of their disobedience to Him preceded them when He commanded them to obey Him.

It is impossible, keeping in mind Allaah’s Justice, that the Handful of the Right could be from those deserving of being from the people of the other Handful and vice-versa.  How could that be when Allaah, Azza wa Jall, says:

<<Then will We treat the Muslims like the criminals? What is [the matter] with you? How do you judge?>> [Qalam: 35-36]

Indeed there is none from each of the two Handfuls from the two different Handfuls who is forced to be from the people of Paradise or the people of Hellfire. Rather this aspect of being from the two different Handfuls is a judgement from Allaah –Tabarakawa Ta’ala, this judgment is of what will arise from themselves either of Eemaan which necessitates Paradise, or disbelief which entails the Hell-Fire, and Allaah Ta’ala’s refuge is sought from the Hell-Fire.

Both matters of Eemaan and Kufr (disbelief) are matters of choice, Allaah –Tabarakawa Ta’ala– does not force any single individual from his creation to anyone of these two mattes (Eemaan and Kufr).

<< Then whosoever wills, let him believe; and whosoever wills, let him disbelieve>> [Khaf: 29]

and this is something which can be testified to, and by necessity it is well-known.  If there was no freedom to choose, then reward and punishment would be frivolous, and Allaah is far removed from frivolity.

Truly with great regret we hear from many of the people – and sometimes even from Shaykhs – openly saying that humans are forced and do not have a choice!  By saying this they impose upon themselves the statement that Allaah allows Himself to oppress the people! Even though Allaah Ta’ala clearly mentions that He does not oppress the people even the weight of an atom, with although He has announced that He –Ta’ala- is capable of oppression, but He –Ta’ala- has far removed Himself from oppression, as it occurs in the well-known Hadeeth Qudsi: ‘O my servant! Indeed I have made oppression haram (prohibited) upon Myself . . . . .’  [Saheeh Muslim]

When they were confronted by this reality of the truth, they hastened to use the saying of Allaah Ta’ala: <<He cannot be questioned as to what He does>> [Anbiya: 23] They say explicitly that Allaah Ta’ala may oppress, but He cannot be asked about it!

Allaah is far removed from the great falsehood the oppressors say!

What escapes them is that this Ayaah is actually an evidence against them; because the meaning of the Ayaah is, as was researched by the great scholar Ibn al-Qayyim in his book ‘Shifa’ al-Aleel’ and by other scholars, that due to Allaah’s wisdom and His Justice in His rulings it is not allowed for anyone to ask Allaah why He does what He does; because all of Allaah Ta’ala’s rulings are clearly just, so there is no need to question.

These are a few quick words regarding the previous Ahadeeth. We tried to remove the doubts of some of the people regarding this issue, if we were successful in this, then this is a blessing, otherwise we refer the reader to extensive research of this dangerous topic, to the likes of the previous book by Ibn Qayyim, and to the books of his Shaykh Ibn Taymeeyah which are comprehensive regarding this important topic.’

[Taken from ‘Silsilah Ahadeeth As-Saheehah’ vol. 1 hadeeth no 82-84 p.164]

Click the Below link to read the PDF document

Al Qadr & The Hadeeth That Allaah Will Take Two Handfuls Of People (PDF)

Shaytan inspires with doubts like ‘Who Created Allaah ?’ – Shaykh al Albanee

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Taken from Silsilah Ahadeeth As-Saheehah of Shaykh Al-Albaani
Translated by Abbas Abu Yahya

Shaykh al-Albani refutes this doubt by researching the following Ahadeeth:

On the authority of ‘Aa’ishah –Radi Allaahu anha– who said that the Messenger of Allaah –sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam– said: ‘If the Shaytan comes to one of you and says: ‘Who created you?’ say ‘Allaah.’ Then he will say: who created Allaah? So if one of you finds this situation then say: ‘I have believed in Allaah and His Messengers.’ This doubt will then leave you.’

Narrated by Ahmad graded Hasan by Albani [saheehah 116]

In another narration also in Saheehah (Hadeeth No.117), the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- said: ‘The Shaytan comes to one of you and says: ‘Who created this? Who created that? Who created this?Until he says who created your lord? So if this reaches you then seek refuge in Allaah and it will end.’

Narrated by Bukhari, Muslim and Ibn Sunni.

In the wording narrated by Abu Hurairah, the Messenger of Allaah –sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam– said:

‘The people will question one another so much that one of them will say: So Allaah created the creation, then who created Allaah Azza wa Jal? So if they say this, then say:

قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَد ٌ ,اللَّهُ الصَّمَد ُ, لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَد ْ, وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُوًاأَحَدٌالإخلاص: ١ – ٤

<< Say: He is Allaah, The One. Allaahus-Samad, He does not beget nor was he begotten, and there is none like unto Him. >>

Then he should spittle to his left three times and seek refuge from the Shaytan.

Narrated by Abu Dawood & Ibn Sunni and graded Hasan by Albani.

Then Shaykh Albani comments by saying:

Fiqh al-Hadeeth:

These authentic Ahadeeth indicate that it is obligatory for the one Shaytan whispers to, by saying ‘who created Allaah?’, that he turns away from debating with him and responds with what wasmentioned in the previous Ahadeeth, the summary of which is:

I have believed in Allaah and His Messengers. ‘He isAllaah, The One, Allaahus-Samad, He does not beget nor was He begotten, and there is none like unto Him.’ Then he should spittle to his left three times and seek refuge from the Shaytan. This (then) stops him from being carried away by the whisperings of Shaytan.

I truly believe that whoever does this sincerely, out of obedience to Allaah and His Messenger, these whisperings will definitely leave him and his Shaytan will be defeated due to the saying of the Messenger of Allaah –sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam–: ‘Then this doubt will leave you.’

This noble prophetic teaching is more beneficial and more definitive against whisperings than intellectual debate in this issue, since it is very rare that such a debate will be beneficial. What is sad is that the majority of people are neglectful of this noble prophetic teaching! So take heed O Muslims, learn the Sunnah of your Prophet and implement it, in it is cure and honour for you.’

[Silsilah Saheehah: 118]

Click the below link to read the PDF document:

Shytaan inspires with doubts like ‘Who Created Allaah?’ – Taken from Silsilah Ahadeeth As-Saheehah of Shaykh Al-Albaani [PDF]

The Sun & Moon Cast into the Hell-Fire : Shaykh Al-Albaani

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Taken from Silsilah Ahadeeth As-Saheehah of Shaykh Al-Albaani
Translated by Abbas Abu Yahya

From AbdulAziz bin al-Mukhtar bin Abdullaah ad-Danaaj who said he witnessed Abu Salmah bin AbdurRahman sitting in a Masjid at the time of Khalid bin Usayd; He said al-Hasan came and sat with him, and Abu Salmah narrated to us that Abu Hurairah narrated from theProphet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- who said:

” الشمس والقمر ثوران مكوران في النار يوم القيامة “.

‘The sun and the moon will both spin and erupt in the Hell-Fire on the Day of Judgement.’

So al-Hasan asked: ‘What was the sin of the sun and the moon?!’

Abu Salmah said: ‘Rather what I do is narrate to you from theMessenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam.’

So al-Hasan remained silent.’

Collected by Imam Tahawi in ‘Mushkill al-Athaar (1/66-67)

Also collected by al-Bayhaqi in the book ‘al-Ba’ath wa Nashoor’, also by Bazaar, al-Isma’aili and al-Khattabi all by way of Yunus bin Muhammad that AbdulAziz bin al-Mukhtar narrated to us with this narration.

I (Albaani) say: This Isnaad  is Saheeh  upon the conditions of Bukhari, and he narrated it in his book ‘as-Saheeh’ in a summarized form, and he said: Mussadad narrated to us that he said AbdulAziz bin al-Mukhtar narrated to us with the wording:

‘The sun and the moon will both spin in the Hell-Fire on the Day of Judgement.’

The Meaning of the Hadeeth

The intent of the Hadeeth is not what al-Hasan al-Basri presumed, that the sun and the moon will be in the Hell-Fire punished as a punishment for them, never, indeed Allaah –Azza wa Jal – does not punish he who obeys him from His creation, and from that creation is the Sun and the moon, as to what Allaah’s -Tabarak wa Ta’ala- saying indicates to:

أَلَمْ تَرَ أَنَّ اللَّهَ يَسْجُدُ لَهُ مَنْ فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَنْ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَالشَّمْسُ وَالْقَمَرُ وَالنُّجُومُ وَالْجِبَالُ وَالشَّجَرُ وَالدَّوَابُّ وَكَثِيرٌ مِنَ النَّاسِ وَكَثِيرٌ حَقَّ عَلَيْهِ الْعَذَابُ

<< See you not that to Allaah prostrates whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth, and the sun, and the moon, and the stars, and the mountains, and the trees, and Ad-Dawaab (moving living creatures, beasts, etc.), and many of mankind? But there are many (men) on whom the punishment is justified. >>

Allaah -Ta’ala- mentions that His punishment is deserving for those who prostrate for other than Allaah -Ta’ala- in this Dunyaa. Like Tahawi mentions, therefore, when Allaah throws them into the Hell-Fire, then this can have two meanings:

The First: that they are the fuel for the Fire.

Al-Isma’aili said:

‘It does not necessitate that being placed in the Hell-Fire that they will be punished, since indeed Allaah has Angels and stones and other things in the Hell-Fire, so that they will be a punishment for the people of the Hell-Fire and a tool from the tools of punishment, and Allaah does what He wills of that punishment, but the Angels and stones will not be punished.’

The second is:

They will both be thrown into the Hell-Fire as remorse for those who worshipped them.

al-Khattabi said:

‘The intent of them being in the Hell-Fire is not that they will be punished there, but they will be a remorse for those who worshipped them in the Dunyaa, so that those people know that their worship of them was false.’

I say: this is the closest to the wording of the hadeeth and what supports this is that in the hadeeth of Anas collected by Abu Ya’ala as is mentioned in ‘al-Fath’ (6/214) it says:

 ‘so that those who used to worship them could see them.’

But I did not see it in his ‘Musnad’ and Allaah Ta’ala knows best.

[Taken from ‘Silsilah Ahadeeth as-Saheehah’ vol. 1 No. 124]

Does swallowing mucus (sputum or phlegm) invalidate the fast? – Shaykh Al-Albani & Shaykh Uthaymeen

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Translated by Rasheed ibn Estes Barbee

http://mtws.posthaven.com/does-swallowing-mucus-invalidate-the-fast-answered-by-shaykh-al-albani

Video Courtesy: Bilal Nahim

Question:

What is the ruling on swallowing sputum or phlegm by a fasting person?

Answer by Shaykh Uthaymeen (rahimaullaah):

If sputum of phlegm does not reach the mouth, then it does not break the fast, and there is only one opinion on this in the Mathhab.
If it does reach the mouth, then he swallows it, the scholars hold two opinions regarding it:

Some of them hold that it breaks the fast, including it in the same category as food and drink. Others hold that it does not break the fast, including it in the same category as saliva, for saliva does not break the fast, even if one collected his saliva and swallowed it, his fast is not invalidated.

When the scholars disagree, it is necessary to refer to the Book (of Allaah) and the Sunnah; and if we are in doubt at to whether this matter invalidates the act of worship or it does not invalidate it, then the basic principle is that it is not invalidated and based upon this, swallowing sputum does not break the fast.

The important thing is that a person leaves his sputum, and does not try to draw it into his mouth, then he should expel it, whether he is fasting or not. As for breaking the fast, it requires an evidence which will be a convincing proof for a person before Allaah, the Almighty, the All-Powerful, for the invalidation of the fast.

Shaykh Muhammad bin Saalih al-`Uthaymeen
Fatawa Arkaanul-Islaam,
Dar-us-Salam English Publication, vol.2, p.666

Eager About Fighting Jihad? !!!! Advice To A Jihad Enthusiast – Shaykh Al-Albani

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Questioner: Ok, there is another question about our brothers in Bosnia …

Shaykh Al-Albāny: Yes.

Questioner: I heard that you said to some brothers who had wanted to go there to fight in the cause of Allāh with their lives: fight against yourselves (i.e. purify yourselves)

Shaykh Al-Albāny: Yes, that’s true.

Questioner: This means that you don’t advise (people) to go there (for jihād)?

Shaykh Al-Albāny: That’s true.

Questioner: Well don’t you think that people there are in need of help?

Shaykh Al-Albāny: How can I not think so? Yet is help achieved by putting more lives of Muslims to death in  vain? Where is the preparation with which we have been commanded in the Noble Qur’ān?

Questioner: What if there is a benefit?

Shaykh Al-Albāny: If you believe that there is a benefit, then it (jihād) is compulsory. Do you believe so?

Questioner: Yes.

Shaykh Al-Albāny: On what basis?

Questioner: There are weak Muslims…

Shaykh Al-Albāny: Please brother, don’t tell me about the status quo; tell me what the benefit is.

Questioner: The benefit is helping them and (unclear speech) …

Shaykh Al-Albāny: May Allāh guide you! Helping them requires (the intervention) of the States not individuals. The situation needs organized army that are trained in using weapons. It needs tanks, aircrafts, etc. What individual means are you talking about? If we sent one thousand people from here and there, they would be easy targets of (the enemy) fire. What could these people do in the face of the tanks and destructive weapons (of the enemy)?

Questioner: Yeah

Shaykh Al-Albāny: Glory be to Allāh! I am surprised at how the youth do not look at these issues except in a very limited way. I asked you if there were a benefit. You said, “Yes.” What is this benefit? They are weak! May Allah guide you, Abu Suhaib! As if I did not know that they are weak and that they are few in number and under-armed compared to the Serbs first and their allies second and particularly the Americans who have destroyed everything. Don’t you know these facts?

Questioner: Yes

Shaykh Al-Albāny: How can you say that there is a benefit? Is there a benefit in destroying Muslims in vain and that’s exactly what happened in Afghanistan? Do you think that jihād in Bosnia and Herzegovina can be any stronger than in Afghanistan?

Questioner: No.

Shaykh Al-Albāny: What was the result there? Uh? The result was that we reaped bitter melon (i.e. we suffered defeat) …

Questioner: Yes.

Shaykh Al-Albāny: … and we brought destruction upon ourselves because we opposed the religious teachings in many, many details, the most apparent of which, as the bad end results showed, was (differing and split). (Allāh says): ﴿

And be you not of Al-Mushrikun (polytheists, idolaters, disbelievers in the oneness of Allah). Of those who split up their religion and became sects, each sect rejoicing in that which is with it. (30: 31-32)

Seven parties fighting against one party and that is the Communist party. The Communist party, which is a kafir party, vs three Muslim parties. How could this happen? Therefore, don’t forget, even though you live far away from us, the principle that the beginning should be with tasfia wat-tarbia (i.e. purification and education) …

Questioner: Yes

Shaykh Al-Albāny: … and then remember the saying of Allāh (Azzawa Jal):

And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much.(42:30)

And we ask Allāh (Azzawa Jal) to grant victory to our Muslims brother in all Muslim land.
Yes unfortunately as our Lord says in the Nobel Qur’ān:

That was the Way of Allāh in the case of those who passed away of old, and you will not find any change in the Way of Allāh. (33:62)

And no turning off will you find in the Sunnah of Allāh. (35:43)

Verily, Allāh will not change the (good) condition of a people as long as they do not change their state (of goodness) themselves. But when Allāh wills a people’s punishment, there can be no turning back of it, and they will find besides Allāh no protector. (13:11)

Therefore, if we want to defend a nation from among the Islamic nations we must first and foremost defend Islam in our very home countries. Yet we don’t defend Islam in our countries and that’s why we have been inflicted by calamities in our home countries, and this is something we feel sorry about and we ask Allāh (Azzawa Jal) to grant Muslims His True Promise:

Verily, We will indeed make victorious Our Messengers and those who believe (in the Oneness of Allāh Islāmic Monotheism) in this world’s life ... (40:51)

“There will not cease to be a group of my Ummah, victorious upon truth and not harmed by those who oppose them until the Hour is established.” Maybe this is enough for you.

Questioner: May Allāh reward you with good, shaykh.

Shaykh Al-Albāny: The same to you, by Allāh’s will. Let me hear your voice soon.

The Arabic version of the Audio – youtube.com/watch?v=uWSfdWJSTTo
Translated Into English By Abu Ilyas Abdulali Jourari Al-Maghrebi
Al-Binaa Publishing | Durham NC

Posted with Permission. You can Read the Orginal PDF here

From the Gardens of Paradise – Shaykh al-Albaani

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By the Muhaddith, Shaykh, Allamaa’ Muhammad Nasir uddeen al-Albaani
Translated by Abbas Abu Yahya

 The questioner: ‘Regarding the Hadeeth ‘What is between my house and my Mimber is a garden from the gardens of Paradise’

Is the intent a multiplication of reward or is it for blessings?’

Shaykh Albaani -Rahimullaah-  answered:

The intent of this Hadeeth is not for the people to pounce and attack this place as they do nowadays and that they crowd around for the prayer in this place which the Messenger -alayhi as-Sallat wa Sallam- described that it is a garden from the gardens of Paradise, this Hadeeth is information of the unseen which is obligatory to believe in, that this place is a garden from the gardens of Paradise, how? I swear by Allaah I do not know how.

Many of the scholars say that it will be in Paradise on the Day of Judgement, that is why it is a garden from the gardens of Paradise, it is possible that this is the case and it is possible that the case is something else, we do not comprehend this Hadeeth, just like other Ahadeeth, for example:

جبل أحد يحبنا ونحبه

‘Mount Uhud is a mountain which loves us and we love it.’

This does not mean that you intend that place in itself and seek blessings from it,  and pray there, no, this is just information we believe in, Mount Uhud loves us and we love it, similarly for example:

أحد ركن من أركان الجنة

‘Mount Uhud is a pillar from the pillars of Paradise.’

This also does not have the same meaning which we have mentioned,i.e. that you intend that place in itself, seeking blessings from it and to pray there, no, this is information of the unseen. It was authentically reported from the Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- so we believe in this, and we do not carry this meaning to be a legislated action in the Sharia’ so that we worship Allaah by that, since our righteous Salaf did not explain this, not by their speech or by their actions.’

[Taken from: ‘Silsilah Huda wa Noor’ tape 93 at 00:45:06]

The Ruling on Masturbation – Imaam Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen Al-Albaanee

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Al-Asaalah Magazine (Issue #3)
Al-Ibaanah.com

[56] Question: What is the ruling on masturbation?

Answer: We have no doubts regarding the forbiddance of such a practice. And this is due to two reasons, the first of which is the saying of Allaah, the Most High, concerning the description of the believers: 

“Successful indeed are the believers. Those who offer their prayer with full submissiveness. And those who turn away from false and vain talk. And those who pay the Zakaah. And those who guard their chastity – Except with their wives or (slaves) that their right hands possess, for (in that) they are free from blame. But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors.” [Surah Al-Mu’minoon: 1-8] 

Imaam Ash-Shaafi’ee used this ayah as proof for the forbiddance of masturbating. This is since, in this ayah, Allaah has placed two ways for the true believers to fulfill their desires – either by marrying free women or by enjoying the slave women and female war captives. Then He says: ”But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors” meaning: Whoever desires a way by which to transmit his desires, apart from these two ways of marriage and taking female war captives, then he is a transgressor and a wrongdoer. 

As for the second reason, then it has been medically established that there are unhealthy consequences for the one who does such an act, and that there are harms to the health caused by this practice, especially for those who constantly engage in it day and night. It is reported on the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) that he said: ”Do not harm and do not be harmed.” Thus it is not permissible for a Muslim to engage in anything that will cause harm to himself or to others.

There is one more thing that must be mentioned and it is that those who engage themselves in this practice fall under the statement of Allaah: 

“Will you exchange that which is lower for that which is better?” [Surah Al-Baqarah: 61] 

Also there has been reported on the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) that which further confirms this forbiddance and it is his saying: 

“O you group of young men! Whoever amongst you is able to marry then let him marry, for indeed it is the best means for lowering one’s gaze and the best way to protect one’s private parts. And whosoever is not able, then let him fast, for indeed it will be a shield for him.” 

Actions and People most beloved to Allaah

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On the authority of Ibn Umar who said: ‘A man came to the Prophet sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- said: ‘

O Messenger of Allaah! Which of the people are the most beloved to Allaah and which of the actions are most beloved to Allaah?’

The Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- said:

‘The most beloved of the people to Allaah are the most beneficial for the people. The most beloved of actions to Allaah –Azza wa Jal- are to cause happiness to reach a Muslim, to relieve him from a hardship, to settle a debt for a Muslim or to repel hunger from him. For me to walk with a brother in order to assist him is more beloved to me than to make ‘Itikaf in this Masjid (Masjid al-Madeenah) for a month.

Whoever holds back his anger then Allaah hides his mistakes. Whoever suppresses his anger – even though he is not scared to show it, but withholds due to the truth – Allaah fills his heart with hope on the day of Judgement. Whoever walks with his brother to assist him with a need until he has helped him completely, then Allaah plants his feet firmly on the day people will not stand firmly. Indeed bad behaviour spoils good actions, just as vinegar spoils honey.’

Taken from Silsilah Ahadeeth As-Saheehah of Shaykh Al-Albaani. No. 906

Some Ahadeeth Pertaining to Behaviour and Seeking Permission
Taken from Silsilah Ahadeeth As-Saheehah of Shaykh Al-Albaani
Translated by Abbas Abu Yahya

How are we Obligated to Interpret the Qur’aan? Shaykh al-Albanee

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Imaam Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen Al-Albaanee
“Kayfa yajibu ‘alaynaa an Nufassir al-Qur’aan” (pg. 35-40)
Al-Ibaanah.com

[ Here is complete book]

[9] Question: How are we obligated to interpret the noble Qur’aan?

[9] Answer: Allaah, Blessed and Exalted, sent the Qur’aan down to the heart of His Messenger Muhammad in order to bring mankind from out of the darkness of disbelief and ignorance to the light of Islaam. Allaah says: “Alif-Laam-Raa. This is a Book which We have revealed unto you (O Muhammad) in order that you may lead mankind from out of the darkness (of disbelief) into the light (of Islaam), by the permission of their Lord, to the path of the All-Mighty, the Most Praiseworthy.” [Surah Ibraaheem: 1]

And He placed His Messenger (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) to clarify, interpret and explain what is in the Qur’aan. Allaah says: “And We revealed to you (O Muhammad), the Reminder (i.e. the Sunnah), in order for you to explain to mankind what was (already) revealed to them, and so that they may reflect.” [Surah An-Nahl: 44]

So the Sunnah came in order to explain and clarify what is found in the noble Qur’aan, and it is (also) a revelation sent by Allaah, as He says: “And he (i.e. Muhammad) does not speak from his own desire. Rather, it is just revelation that is revealed to him.” [Surah An-Najm: 3-4]

Furthermore, the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “I was indeed given the Qur’aan and something similar to it along with it. It is imminent that there will come a time where a man who has eaten to his full will recline on his couch and say: ‘Stick to the Qur’aan. Whatever you find in it that is Halaal (lawful), then declare it lawful. And whatever you find in it that is Haraam (unlawful), then declare it unlawful!’ Whereas, whatever Allaah’s Messenger made unlawful is just like what Allaah made unlawful.”

So the first source that must be used to interpret the noble Qur’aan is the Qur’an (itself) along with the Sunnah, which consists of the Prophet’s statements, actions and silent approvals. Then after that, it must be interpreted using the interpretations (tafseer) of the people of knowledge, at the head of whom are the Companions of the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). And the foremost amongst the Companions with regard to this subject (tafseer) is ‘Abdullaah bin Mas’ood (radyAllaahu ‘anhu). This is due to several factors, one being that he was one of the first to accompany the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) (i.e. accept Islaam), and another being that he (radyAllaahu ‘anhu) would give strong emphasis to asking about, understanding, and interpreting the Qur’aan. Then after him comes ‘Abdullaah bin ‘Abbaas (radyAllaahu ‘anhu), about whom ‘Abdullaah bin Mas’ood (radyAllaahu ‘anhu) said: “He is the interpreter (turjumaan) of the Qur’aan.”

Then after them, any Companion whose interpretation (tafseer) of an ayah can be authentically confirmed – and there exists no difference of opinion amongst the Companions regarding it, we accept this interpretation (tafseer) from him with full contentment, submission and reliance. And if no such tafseer can be found (from the Companions) regarding a particular ayah, then we take its tafseer from the Taabi’een, particularly those who specialized in studying tafseer under the Companions of Allaah’s Messenger (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), such as Sa’eed bin Jubair, Taawoos and others who are well known for their studying of tafseer under some of the Companions, particularly Ibn ‘Abbaas (radyAllaahu ‘anhu), as we mentioned previously.

Unfortunately, there are some ayaat that are interpreted according to a certain opinion or madh-hab (school of Jurisprudence), and for which no direct explanation from the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) can be found. So because of this, some latter-day individuals relied solely on applying such ayahs according to their madh-hab in order to interpret them. And this is an extremely dangerous matter – where ayaat are interpreted in order to support one’s madh-hab and (personal) views – whereas the scholars of tafseer have interpreted these verses in a different way than the adherents of these madhaahib have interpreted them.

Perhaps, we should mention an example of this, which is Allaah’s statement: “So recite what is easy from the Qur’aan.” [Surah Al-Muzammil: 20] Some of the adherents of certain madhaahib have interpreted this ayah to refer to just the recitation itself, meaning: What is obligatory to recite from the Qur’aan in all of the prayers is just one long ayah or three short ayaat. They said this in spite of there being reported the authentic hadeeth from the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam): “There is no prayer for the one who doesn’t recite the opening chapter (Faatihah) of the Book (Qur’aan).” And in another hadeeth, the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever performs a prayer in which he doesn’t recite the opening chapter of the Book, then it is deficient, deficient, deficient, and not complete.”

The basis of proof indicated in these two hadeeths is rejected by the afore-mentioned interpretation of the above ayah, which is that the ayah refers to the recitation of the Qur’aan in general. And according to them, it is not permissible to interpret the Qur’aan except with the Sunnah that came in mutawaatir[1] form – meaning it is not permitted to interpret the mutawaatir except with the mutawaatir. So because of this, they rejected the two previously mentioned hadeeth due to their relying on their opinion or madh-hab for the interpretation of this ayah.

In spite of this, all of the scholars of tafseer, past and present, have explained that the meaning of the noble ayah “So recite what is easy from the Qur’aan” is: “So pray what is easy for you from the Night Prayer (Tahajjud).” This is since Allaah mentioned this part of the ayah in connection to His saying (i.e. the complete ayah): “Verily, your Lord knows that you stand (to pray at night) a little less than two thirds of the night, or half the night, or a third of the night, and also a party of those with you. And Allaah measures the night and the day. He knows that you are unable to pray the entire night, so He has turned to you (in mercy). So recite what is easy from the Qur’aan.” [Surah Al-Muzammil: 20]

The last part means: “So pray what is easy for you from the Night Prayer (Tahajjud).” Therefore, the ayah is not in reference to what a person is obligated to recite specifically during the night prayer. Rather, (in this ayah), Allaah facilitates for the Muslims to pray what they are able to perform from the Night Prayer. This means that they are not obligated to pray what the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to pray, which was eleven rak’aat, as you are aware of.

So this is the meaning of the ayah. It is phrased in an Arabic style of “applying a portion, by which the whole is intended.” Thus, Allaah’s statement: “So recite” means “So pray.” The prayer is the whole, while the recitation (in prayer) is the portion. The purpose of this phrasing is to clarify the importance of this portion with respect to that whole. Another example of this is Allaah’s statement: “Perform the prayer from midday until the darkness of the night (Dhuhr, ‘Asr, Maghrib, ‘Ishaa), and (also) the (recitation of the) Qur’aan of Fajr (dawn).” [Surah Al-Israa: 78]

The meaning of “the Qur’aan of Fajr” is “the Fajr Prayer.” So in this situation also, the portion is applied but the whole is intended. This is a style in the Arabic Language that is well known.

So therefore, after showing the interpretation of this ayah from the scholars of tafseer, without there being any difference of opinion amongst the past and present from them, it is not permissible to reject the first and second hadeeths (mentioned previously), claiming that they are ahead, and that it is not permissible to interpret the Qur’aan with ahaad hadeeth! This is since the afore-mentioned ayah was interpreted by the statements of the scholars who are knowledgeable of the language of the Qur’aan. This is first, and secondly, it is because the hadeeth of the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)(sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) does not contradict the Qur’aan, but rather, it explains and clarifies it, as we explained in the beginning of this discussion. How can this be when this ayah has no relation to the subject of what a Muslim is obligated to recite during prayer, regardless of whether it is an obligatory or recommended prayer.

But as for the two afore-mentioned hadeeths, then it is clear that they both are on the subject of a person’s prayer not being valid unless he recites Surah Al-Faatihah in it: “There is no prayer for the one who doesn’t recite the opening chapter (Faatihah) of the Book (Qur’aan)” and “Whoever performs a prayer in which he doesn’t recite the opening chapter of the Book, then it is deficient, deficient, deficient, and not complete.”

This means that the prayer is defective. So whoever finishes his prayer while it is deficient, then he in fact didn’t pray at all. And his prayer at this point becomes invalid, as is apparent in the first hadeeth.

So if this reality becomes clear to us, we must therefore feel secure with the ahaadeeth that come to us from the Prophet, which are reported in the books of Sunnah, firstly, and with their authentic chains of narration, secondly. And we must have no doubts or uncertainties about them due to some philosophical approach to the ahaadeeth, which we hear about in current times, such as:

“We only accept the ahaad ahaadeeth on issues regarding rulings, and not for issues regarding creed. This is since matters of creed cannot be established based on ahaad ahaadeeth.” [2]

This is what they claim! Yet we know for a fact that the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) sent Mu’aadh (radyAllaahu ‘anhu) to call the People of the Scripture to believe in Tawheed, and he was just one individual.

This brief discussion is sufficient with regard to this topic that I wanted to clarify, which is related to: How are we obligated to interpret the Noble Qur’aan?

May Allaah send His Peace and Blessings on our Prophet, Muhammad, his family, Companions and those who follow them in goodness until the Day of Recompense, and all praise is for Allaah, Lord of all that exists.

Footnotes:

[1] A Mutawaatir hadeeth is a narration that has been reported by a group of people that is so large that it is impossible to conceive that they conspired to lie regarding it.

[2] An Ahaad hadeeth is a narration reported by just one narrator. It is the opposite of Mutawaatir. A Mutawaatir hadeeth is a narration that has been reported by a group of people that is so large that it is impossible to conceive that they conspired to lie regarding it.

Hijrah and Residing in the Lands of Disbelief : Shaykh Al-Albani

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Translated by Abdullah MacPhee in Daarul-Hadeeth, Dammaaj

In the tape series ‘Al-Hudaa wa An-Noor’ tape # 617, Al-Imaam Al-Albaanee was asked:

“Residing in the lands of disbelief, like that is the question, the question is about this matter, and in addition to it the American people who are Muslims, the Americans who are originally Muslims, is it incumbent upon them to make hijrah from there?”

Al-Imaam Al-Albaanee answered:

“Is there any doubt about that? Because of these people He said: ‘Was not the earth of Allaah spacious enough for you to emigrate therein’ (An-Nisaa: 97)

However before your last question, the first part, what is it? I don’t know do you still insist on asking it that we answer it?”

(The questioner): “I would be grateful if you were to answer.”

(The Sheikh): “What?”

(The questioner): “I would be grateful if you were to answer.”

(The Sheikh): “I believe the first part of the question would be understood inclusively from answering the second part of it, however, perhaps from that which is best is to explain what has come in the Sunnah from the authentic hadeeths which warn the Muslim from taking the lands of disbelief as a homeland. There is in the science of Fiqh and Usool a Qiyaas called Al-Qiyaas Al-Awlawee. If the people of the land born and hereditarily (from there) when they embrace Islaam it is incumbent upon them to make hijrah to the lands of Islaam then more so the one who is on the opposite of that, being born in the lands of Islaam and raised and brought up, it is not permissible for him to travel, and I don’t say make hijrah, to the lands of disbelief. This is even more so.

However, with that I say the hadeeths have come one after the other prohibiting the Muslim from traveling to the lands of disbelief. From that is the hadeeth which Abu Dawud transmitted in his Sunan on the Prophet (peace be upon him); that he said with the best form of expression: ‘Whoever is close together with the polytheist then he is like him.’

And the being close together mentioned is mixing together, meaning living together. And other hadeeths have come emphasizing this meaning with the clearest wording. He (peace be upon him); says: ‘The Muslim and the polytheist, their fire is not to appear to one another.’

The Muslim and the polytheist, their fire is not to appear to one another. This is an expression meaning that it is incumbent upon the Muslim that his residence be far away from the residence of the polytheist, because the Arabs from their custom is that they light the fire in front of their abodes, in front of their tents, so the fire appears to the one approaching from a distance. So it is as if the Messenger (peace be upon him) is saying to the Muslim; stay far away, stay far away as much as you can from having the disbelieving polytheist see your fire. The Muslim and the polytheist, their fire is not to appear to one another. A third hadeeth also emphasizes this, and it is his (peace be upon him) statement: ‘I am free from every Muslim who resides amongst the polytheists.’

These are very clear texts that emphasize that it is not permissible for the Muslim to reside amongst the polytheists. And the wisdom in that is very clear. Not from the analogical stand point or the intellectual standpoint or experience wise, because this is a secondary matter with regards to the traditional texts. There are some hadeeths which it is possible to use as a basis to use as an answer to a question that could occur to some minds when they hear those hadeeths. What is the secret? What is the purpose? What is the wisdom of the prohibition from the Messenger (peace be upon him) of the Muslim from living together with the polytheist? There are two hadeeths suitable to mention as an answer to this question. The first is his (peace be upon him) statement: ‘The example of the righteous sitting companion is like the one who sells misk. Either he gives you some as a gift or you buy from him or you smell from him a good fragrance. And the example of the evil sitting companion is like the ironsmith. Either he is going to burn your clothes or you are going to smell from him an offensive smell.’

This is the Messenger of Allaah (peace be upon him) bringing forth an example for the sitting on a reduced scale. A reduced scale sitting, you sit with one person. So he is saying to you, if he is righteous then the example of him is like the one who sells misk, to the end of the hadeeth, or if he is evil then he is like the ironsmith. Either he is going to burn your clothes or you are going to smell from him an offensive smell. The second hadeeth which emphasizes the first hadeeth and the reality increases it in emphasis, it is what Al-Imaam Muslim transmitted and perhaps Al-Bukhaaree also in the Saheeh on the Prophet (peace be upon him) that he said: ‘A man from those before you killed ninety nine people then afterwards he wanted to make Tawbah (repentance) so he asked about the most knowledge of the people on earth, so he was directed to a Raahib. He then went to him and said to him, ‘I have killed ninety nine people so is there any Tawbah for me?’ He said, ‘You killed ninety nine people and you ask is there any Tawbah for you! There is no Tawbah for you.’ He then completed with him number one hundred. Then he continued to ask until he was directed to a person of knowledge.’

Before hand he was directed to a Raahib, meaning an ignorant person engrossed in worship. So he gave a verdict with his ignorance so his outcome was that he added him to the murdered ones before him. The second time he was directed to a person of knowledge.

‘So he went to him and said to him, ‘I have killed one hundred people unjustly, is there any Tawbah for me?’ He said, ‘What prevents you from Tawbah? However, you are in an evil land so leave it to such and such town which its people are righteous.’ So he went to go to them, to the end of the hadeeth and it is well known inshaallaah.

The highlight is that this person of knowledge has an understanding of the Fiqh of this hadeeth or these hadeeths, and this does not declare impossible that these hadeeths the Messenger (peace be upon him) narrated them to us, this does not prevent this from being from the understanding of the Prophets beforehand (peace be upon him) because they all used to draw from one source of light (guidance). So therefore, this person of knowledge understands this reality, that the contaminated atmosphere it can infect the righteous person when he intermixes with it. This is an example from the stand point of diseases, the diseases that are contagious. And because of that it has come for this point the quarantine well known today and the Messenger (peace be upon him) has put in place his principle in the well known hadeeth: ‘If a plague occurs in a land and you are in it then don’t leave it, and if a plague occurs in a land and you are not in it then don’t enter it.’

Like that. Therefore, the Messenger of Allaah (peace be upon him) when he prohibited the Muslims from taking the lands of disbelief as a homeland, that is only to protect their Aqeedah, their worship, their manners. So because of this he made it incumbent not upon the polytheists, this is an important matter also, rarely have I addressed it when I speak about the likes of this issue, the Messenger of Allaah (peace be upon him) or the wise legislator, not only made it incumbent upon the polytheists when they embrace Islaam that they make hijrah to the lands of Islaam, rather he made it incumbent upon the Bedouins to make hijrah from their nomadic life to their sedentary life. This, in it is a regard for the same meaning because the Messenger (peace be upon him) says in some of the hadeeths: ‘Whoever becomes a Bedouin he becomes harsh.’

So when the Bedouin lives after being taught Tawheed and learning what is incumbent upon him for correcting his faith and his Islaam then he goes back to his nomadic area and lives there, he could be influenced by the harshness which is from the normal way of the Bedouins. So if the Messenger (peace be upon him) encouraged the Bedouins firstly to return to sedentary life, then he tied into that a legislative ruling, and it is that they don’t have any right to the spoils of war that the Muslims capture from fighting the disbelievers, then more so and more so and more so he makes it incumbent upon the Muslims to remain in their lands and that they don’t move to the lands of disbelief and polytheism and misguidance. Especially in these days because you know that the Jews and the Christians, even if they are misguided because of their going astray firstly from Tawheed which has reached them from their Prophets and again because of their denial of our Prophet (peace be upon him) they with that used to be upon something of good manners and good character and so on. And he who is in my age group or close to it, he knows that the women of the Christians in the lands of Islaam, they used to cover with a covering better than many of the Muslim women today. The meaning of this statement is that the people of the book, sinfulness and immorality and nudity was not widespread amongst them the widespread way that the people of intellect, if there are people of intellect amongst them from the disbelievers, complain about in their lands. So because of that how can it be permissible for a Muslim to expose himself to this society contaminated by immorality and this decadence? This is what I have in response to that question.”

Later on in the tape Al-Imaam Al-Albaanee said: “Here is a Shubhah that must be mentioned on this occasion and it is a deceptive Shubhah that many of the youths are deceived by. They say: ‘Yaa Sheikh, by Allaah, we here, religious freedom is more than that in our country.’ This from some angles is correct. However, I take them by surprise with the reality that they live in. I say to them: ‘Are you able to raise your voices with the Adhaan?’ He says: ‘No.’ I say: ‘Where is the freedom that you claim?’ Then I remind them of the long term. You, if you are fleeing with your deen, you cling, to the lands of disbelief, is it possible for you to conceive that you will be able to set up an Islamic state where you are in America, in France, and so on, except after centuries and long centuries? Which of the two affairs is more likely, that you return to your countries and work together with your brothers there to establish the Islamic society and the Islamic lifestyle from which springs the establishment of the Islamic state and ruling by Islaam, or is it more likely over there? No, by Allaah, they say, in the lands of Islaam it is more likely. Because changing those lands of disbelief to the likes of what the situation is in the Islamic lands requires centuries. Therefore you are living in delusions. You say: ‘We live in freedom greater than the lands of Islaam.’ This is a delusion and this is a fantasy. Yes you pray and you fast and so on, however, most of your fasting, most of your prayer is not in the legislated manner. Furthermore, put this regard aside, you hear from there problems which the youths are exposed to regarding marriage to some of the women of the people of the book, they claim, and having children afterwards, and the disputing when the woman divorces him, he did not divorce her, then his son or daughter remains with her not him and so on; Problems that we are constantly asked about. These don’t occur in the lands of Islaam. Due to that the reality which there is no doubt about is that it is not permissible for the Muslim today to live in the lands of disbelief. So if he is exiled from his land where he was born, it is allowed for him to move to another land from the lands of Islaam. This is what I recall or what I saw necessary to mention pertaining to examining this issue.

(A questioner): Yaa Sheikh, concerning this issue they mention something close to what you mentioned, a Shubhah that the lands have become similar in sinfulness and immorality, the lands of Islaam and the lands of disbelief, and the (Islamic) rulings are not being enforced. So what is your opinion?

(The Sheikh): We have said beforehand regarding sinfulness and immorality, it is not permissible to compare the lands of Islaam to those lands. As for regarding the rulings, correct, sadly, many of the Islamic rulings have been rendered void and have been abandoned. However, Qiyaas here is Qiyaas with the existence of the distinguishing factor because the lands of Islaam many of the rulings still exist in it upon Islaam and at the very least upon some of the Islamic madhhabs. As for there, only the Qaanoon (the man made law) exists there which has judicial power over all of them. So this also is a distortion. They want by it to justify what they are upon from the residing that opposes the Sharee’ah. Furthermore I also say, and as it is said: the speech is connected together, our Lord says in the Noble Qur’aan: ‘And whoever amongst you takes them as friends then verily he is one of them.’ (Al-Maa’idah: 51)

What do you think, the one who lives in a land of disbelief, is he having Muwaalaah (befriending, showing loyalty, supporting etc.) for that land or showing enmity to it? I want to hear the answer from the doctor to loosen up the atmosphere a little bit…

Whichever Muslim travels to a land of disbelief, is he having Muwaalaah for this land and its rulers or is he showing enmity?

(The doctor): No he is not having Muwaalaah, the land and its rulers and its government he is not having Muwaalaah for them.

(The Sheikh): He is not having Muwaalaah? Is he showing enmity?

(The doctor): He is averse, not showing enmity, yes showing enmity, however he perhaps does not do any act of enmity, however he is averse to it.

(The Sheikh): He is averse?

(The doctor): Yes

(The Sheikh): Then why does he take it as residence?

(The doctor): Because of this need as you have mention.

(The Sheikh): Na’am, in that case we say in response why… (A cut in the tape)

(The doctor): Because of the need to resided there.

(The Sheikh): However the need must prove to be true.

(The doctor): No, No. I am saying because of what you mentioned. The answer to your question is what you previously mentioned. The answer to your question is the Muslim who resides in the lands of the disbelievers, is he having Muwaalaah for them or showing enmity to them. If you consider merely residing Muwaalaah this is another matter. If you are asking about the Muwaalaah of the heart, no the Muslim is not having Muwaalaah for them, normally, he resides but he is not having Muwaalaah for them. Meaning he does not love them, pardon me, he is averse to their ways.

(The Sheikh): Pardon me, is Muwaalaah in the heart only or outwardly also?

(The doctor): In the heart and outwardly.

(The Sheikh): You intended in the heart.

(The doctor): He is not having Muwaalaah for them. He is not pleased with what they are upon. He disapproves of that. He calls to the opposite of it. He does not implement it upon himself. Meaning Muwaalaah is not materialized. I don’t see it to be materialized. He remaining amongst them is forbidden. This is a matter. As for Muwaalaah, it is not clear that he is having Muwaalaah. It is possible that he reside amongst a people while he is averse to them, averse to what they are upon.

(The Sheikh): Tayyib. He does not assist them, Yaa Ustaadh?

(The doctor): Yes he assists in the general way of life in the dunyaa. Is this from Muwaalaah?

(The Sheikh): Isn’t he upon their Qawaaneen (man made laws)?

(The doctor): Yes they rule him by it.

(The Sheikh): Tayyib. How is Muwaalaah? Muwaalaah is forbidden. How is it done?

(The doctor): Even in the lands of the Muslims we rule by un-Islamic laws.

(The Sheikh): pardon me, now let us finish with over there then we can come back to the lands of Islaam.

(The doctor): He firstly is residing with them. They themselves have the ability with the rule of law. They implement it, he carries it out. He is not able to avoid it, even if some avoid some things however he carries out most of it. However the laws of disbelief being implemented upon him, it is forced upon him. Is this Muwaalaah? This is a question that applies even to the lands of the Muslims.

(The Sheikh): No, No. It does not apply. Baarakallaah feek. However, I don’t know this jump, is it analogical, from the land of disbelief to the lands of Islaam.

(The doctor): No, it is a jump, the jump Yaa Sheikh is because of an answer to the question. Is merely their laws being applied on them, the laws are applied so he complies with them upon these laws. Is this Muwaalaah? The answer, yes their laws are applied on him. This is the answer to the question. Is this Muwaalaah? You mentioned that this is Muwaalaah. So I say if this is Muwaalaah then all of us in all lands, un-Islamic laws are applied on us.

(The Sheikh): They are not the same. Baarakallaah feek. I am going to say to you now as long as you continue to use Qiyaas. I say to you there is a very big difference. The Muslim he must have an abode, a place of shelter. He must have that. So he must have a land for this shelter, and this land it must either be a land, I don’t say Islamic now, let it be more specific than that beforehand, its residents are Muslims or another land its residents are disbelievers. So he chose to reside in the second land not the first, and another chose to reside in the first land. Is the example of the two the same?

(The doctor): No they are not the same.

(The Sheikh): Baarakallaah feek. That is what was thought. Because of that your Qiyaas of the land of disbelief with the Muslim land does not stand straight. Because the Muslim he must have as I have brought beforehand a place of shelter that he uses for shelter. Therefore, either this place of shelter of his is in a Muslim land or in a land of disbelief. So when he resides in a Muslim land, we say here going along with you, this one is forced to comply with this land in its rulings. However, I have said beforehand there is a difference between the rulings that are applied in the lands of Islaam and the rulings which are applied in the lands of disbelief even if it is five percent, ten percent whatever percentage. What is important is there is a difference. So this one who must have a place of residence and a residency, he is forced to live under these rulings. However, there is another difference. Now I bring forth for you an example for this land and that land. Regarding car insurance, in it as you know there are two types of insurance, compulsory insurance and voluntary insurance. Good, in some land he is forced to have the two types of insurance while in another land he is forced to have one type of insurance. The two lands in good and evil are similar, there is absolutely no difference, to bring the issue closer to comprehension. The Muslim chose the land in which the two types of insurance are forced on him. Is it said that this one is like the first one?

(The doctor): No, he is not like that one.

(The Sheikh): Therefore, Baarakallaah feek, it is necessary that the Muslim always takes into consideration that there is a difference. Let me mention an example, Muwaalaah, there is a difference in Muwaalaah. Muwaalaah is a must, like the Muslim who resides in the lands of Islaam and he pays many, many taxes and sales taxes. This one is excused. Where is he to go? Here it is not said to him: ‘Was not the earth of Allaah spacious enough for you to emigrate therein’ (An-Nisaa: 97)

As for that person who rules with a Qaanoon from beginning to end, he is a Kaafir, and every day, without exaggeration, at every interval changes enter it because it is from that which man has produced. The Qaanoon in the lands of Islaam is not like this in farness from Islaam. There is a difference in it be it small or large, this is not our subject. Therefore, we go along with you, the Muslim in the land of Islaam is having Muwaalaah, however, he is not able to do anything except this. This Muwaalaah is outward and it is not in the heart. As for there, it is in the heart and outward because he is able to escape from that by living in the lands of Islaam being forced to the likes of this bodily Muwaalaah not Muwaalaah of the heart. I hope that these matters are taken into consideration because the reality helps us to make the Muslims understand the Islamic rulings and so that they return to increasing the masses of their nation inside their land instead of increasing the masses of the disbelievers.

I put forth a very simple example. The Muslim in the lands of Islaam, Allaahu Akbar…

(I think there was a pause for the Adhaan)

Perhaps you recall with me a hadeeth in the Sunan of Abu Dawud and others. A man entered and said: ‘As-Salaamu Alaikum.’ So he (peace be upon him) said: ‘Ten.’ A second man entered: ‘As-Salaamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah.’ ‘Twenty.’ A third man entered. He said: ‘As-Salaamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah wa Barakaatuh.’ He said: ‘Thirty.’ They said: ‘O Messenger of Allaah, so and so entered so you said ten,’ to the end. He said: ‘The first said As-Salaamu Alaikum so ten good deeds were recorded for him. The second added so twenty were recorded for him. The third, thirty. These good deeds that the Muslim acquires in the lands of Islaam, does he acquire them there? What do you think?

(The doctor): No.

(The Sheikh): This is a very small example. So now I say to you, another example very small. This example differs from one Muslim land to another Muslim land, rather, from a Muslim locality to another Muslim locality in the same land, from a Muslim locality to another Muslim locality, rather, from house to house. Is there something more reduced than this? Is there something smaller than this? There is not. How is this? A Muslim land, however, and from it is this land, you say to him: ‘As-Salaamu Alaikum.’ He says to you: ‘Marhabaa.’ ‘When you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it or return it…’ (An-Nisaa: 86)

He is not raised in an Islamic manner. I am coming closer home a little bit with some small examples. As-Salaamu Alaikum, wa Alaikum As-Salaam. However, in the smallest example he entered and said: ‘As-Salaamu Alaikum.’ He left and said: ‘As-Salaamu Alaikum’ going about and automatically good deeds are recorded one after another. Allaah knows best from twenty four hours how much the total of these good deeds is. Why? Because he lives in a Muslim Salafee atmosphere. He knows his (peace be upon him) statement: ‘When one of you enters a sitting then let him give Salaams, and when he leaves let him give Salaams, for the first does not have more right than the second.’

This and other than it from the many examples that we have brought home to you the reality which we seek. It is not possible for you to see it in the lands of disbelief, never. And because of that we ask Allaah عز و جل to inspire our Muslim youths to return to the land of Islaam and that they learn the rulings of the Qur’aan and the Sunnah of the Messenger (peace be upon him) upon the methodology of As-Salaf As-Saalih and that they educate themselves and those they are close with upon this pure Islaam. And perhaps this much is enough inshaallaah. And all praise is due to Allaah Lord of all that exists.”

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The Disputes Between Ahlus-Sunnah themselves and Disputes Between Ahlus-Sunnah and Ahlul-Bid’ah

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Shaykh Muhammad Nasir Uddin al-Albani / [Al-Asaala h, Issue 18}  

Question: Are there any differences between (1) the disputes that take place between Ahl-us-Sunnah themselves and (2) the talk that is directed from a person of Ahl-us-Sunnah to an innovator? And what are they?

Answer: There is no doubt that there are differences between the two at times and at other times there aren’t any. The area of distinction between what occurs amongst the Ahl-us-Sunnah themselves from disputes and debates and between what occurs amongst Ahl-us-Sunnah on one side and the innovators on the other side, is clear and evident.

This is because the obligation is that when there occurs a debate and refutation between the Ahl-us-Sunnah themselves, then it must be from the aspect of Allaah’s saying: “By the time. Verily, mankind is truly at loss. Except those who believe and do righteous deeds and enjoin one another towards the truth and enjoin one another towards patience.” [Surah Al-‘Asr:1-3]

So any debate or dispute that occurs between the Ahl-us-Sunnah, then it must be based on the likes of this part of the verse: “And they enjoin one another towards the truth and they enjoin one another towards patience.” This is also how it must be when the Ahl-us-Sunnah debate from one side and those who oppose them with regard to the Sunnah – and they are the innovators – debate from the other side. However, the manners of conduct may differ between the Ahl-us-Sunnah versus themselves and between the Ahl-us- Sunnah versus the innovators. So what is obligatory when there occurs a dispute between the Ahl-us-Sunnah themselves, is that they take into account the saying of Allaah: “Merciful to one another” [Surah Al-Fat’h: 29] when doing that. As for when there occurs a dispute between these Muslims from Ahl-us-Sunnah and the people of innovation, then there may be some harshness and severity in the manners of conduct, which is suitable for this innovation and goes well against their innovation. This is one difference between Ahl-us-Sunnah versus themselves from one perspective and Ahl-us-Sunnah when they are debating or refuting the innovators from another perspective.

However, we must consider something with regard to each side, by which we do not exalt one group over another nor criticize one group over another, and it is that we do not violate the principle found in Allaah’s saying: “Call unto the Way of your Lord with wisdom.”

So many times when a person of the Sunnah refutes another person of the Sunnah, the refutation does not just require wisdom, but rather it requires what is more important than that, from what has been stated in the likes of Allaah’s saying: “And do not let your hatred of a people cause you to be unjust. Be just! That is closer to Taqwaa.” [Surah Al-Maa’idah: 8]

But many times, there occurs vile manners when they are refuting one other. And unfortunately, this has now become manifest recently in current times in such a way as we would love for it not to be present within the Sunni community, which we call the Salafee community. This is what I was able to say in response to this question.

[Al-Asaala h, Issue 18]

Foundation for the Islâmic Awakening : by Shaykh al-Albani

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Shaykh Muhammad Nâsir ud-Dîn al-Albânî [1]
Al-Istiqaamah Magazine, Issue No.4 – Jumâdal-Awwal 1417H / November 1996
Taken from al-Asaalah magazine (11/84-87).

[Q]: What are the foundations that will enable the Islaamic world to arise again anew?

[A]: That which I believe, is what has been reported in the authentic hadeeth – which is a clear answer to this question, and to those questions similar to it which are asked in our present time – and that is the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam’s saying: “When you deal in ‘eenah (a transaction involving usury), take hold of the tails of cows, become content with agriculture and abandon jihaad in the path of Allaah, then Allaah will permit your humiliation and He will not remove it from you, until you return to your Religion.”2 Thus the foundation is to return to Islaam.

This very fact has been pointed out by Imaam Maalik (d.179H), rahimahullaah, in a statement transmitted from him, which is worthy of being written in gold ink: and that is his saying: “Whosoever introduces into Islaam an innovation, and holds it to be something good, has indeed alleged that Muharnrnad sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam has betrayed his message. Read the saying of Allaah – the Most Blessed – the Most High:

“This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you and I have chosen for you Islaam as your religion.” [Soorah al-Maa’idah 5:3].

So that which was not part of the religion at that time, cannot be part of the religion today. And the last part of this Ummah cannot be rectified, except by that which rectified its first part.”3

The last sentence is the essential part with regards to the answer to this question, since he said: “And the last part of this Ummah cannot be rectified, except by that which rectified its first part.” So, just as the affair of the Arabs in jaahillyyah (pre-Islaamic ignorance) was not rectified, except by the advent of the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam via Divine Revelation – which brought them happiness in this world and will bring them salvation in the Hereafter – then likewise, re-establishing a happy and successful Islaamic life cannot be based upon anything other than returning to the Qur’aan and the Sunnah (the Prophetic guidance).

However, this matter is in need of some clarification, due to the presence of a multitude of Islaamic groups and parties in our midst today, each of them claiming to have set out the correct manhaj (methodology) which will bring about the Islaamic society and the rule of Islaam.

We know from the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam that the path to be taken in order to realise this objective (of bringing about the Islaamic society and the rule of Islaam) is a single path, and that is the one which Allaah – the Mighty and Majestic – mentions in His saying:

“Indeed this is My Straight Path, so follow it, and do not follow other paths that will separate you from His Path.” [Soorah al-An’aam 6:152].

And Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam explained this to his Companions, since: One day he drew a straight line for them on the ground and then drew many short lines on both sides of it. He then recited the previous aayah (verse) whilst he was moving his noble finger over the straight line, and he said: “This is Allaah ‘s Path.” He then pointed to the other lines and said: “These are other paths, and at the head of each one their is a devil calling towards it.”4

Our Lord – the Mighty and Majestic – emphasised in another aayah this very same point which was mentioned in the previous aayah; along with the explanation of Allaah’s Messenger sallullaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam in the hadeeth. Allaah – the Most High – said:

“And whosoever opposes the Messenger, even after the guidance has been clearly conveyed to him, and follows a path other than that of the Believers, we shall leave him in the path he has chosen and land him in Hell, what an evil destination.” [Soorah an-Nisaa 4:115].

This aayah (verse) contains a great wisdom, since He – the Most Perfect – placed the path of the Believers in conjunction with that which the Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam brought. And the fine point of this wisdom was also indicated by the Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam in the hadeeth of al-lftiraaq (the

authentic narration concerning the splitting-up of this Ummah into seventy-three sects), when he was asked about the Saved-Sect, so he replied: “It is that which I and my Companions are upon today.”5

So what is the wisdom in Allaah – the Mighty and Majestic – mentioning the path of the Believers in the previous aayah’ And what is the underlying point of Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam mentioning his Companions straight after mentioning himself, in the previous hadeeth?

The answer to this is: that these noble Companions are the very people who received the two Revelations (the Qur’aan and the Sunnah) from Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, who explained it to them directly – without an intermediary – and this is contrary to all those who came after them. And there is no doubt that the affair is as Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Indeed, the one present sees that which the absent one does not.”6 This is why the eemaan (faith) of the Companions was greater than those who came after them, and this is what has been clearly indicated by the Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam in the authentic hadeeth: “The best of mankind is my generation, then those who follow them, then those who follow them.”7 Therefore, it is not possible for any Muslim to independently understand the Book and the Sunnah. Rather one must seek aid in understanding them by returning to the understanding of the noble Companions, who took their understanding from the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam; via his statements, his actions and his tacit approvals.

Thus, along with calling to the Book and the Sunnah, it is absolutely essential to attach to this the understanding and the practice of the Salafus-Saalih (the Pious Predecessors: the first three generations of Muslims whose excellence has been testified to in the above hadeeth); acting upon the preceding verses and hadeeth, which order clinging to the path of the Believers, which has been explained to be the path upon which the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, his Companions and those who followed them in beliefs and actions, were upon.

And here, a very important question arises, which many of the Islaamic groups and parties neglect; and that is: How does one obtain knowledge of the understanding and the practical application of the Sunnah that the Companions adhered to?

The answer to this is: that there is no way in obtaining this knowledge, except by returning to ‘ilmul-hadeeth (the knowledge of hadeeth); ‘ilm mustalahul-hadeeth (the science of hadeeth) and the science of al-jarh wat-ta’deel (the science of verifying the condition of the narrators) – applying its principles and its terms such that the Scholars are able to distinguish that which is authentic from the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, from that which is not.

So in ending the answer to the question, we say in the the dearest possible manner, to those who desire to bring back to Islaam its honour, strength, supremacy and rule, that you must actualise two matters:

Firstly: to bring back to the minds of the Muslims the knowledge of the Sharee’ah (Laws) of Islaam; purified from all the innovations that have entered into it, which was not part of it on the day when Allaah – the Most Blessed, the Most High – revealed His saying:

“This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you and I have chosen for you Islaam as your religion.” [Soorah al-Maa’idah 5:3].

Accomplishing this matter requires a huge and tremendous effort on the part of the Muslim Scholars in all parts of the world.

Secondly: It is a must that this purified knowledge is coupled with constant and steadfast action.

Thus, the day the Muslims return to understanding their religion as the Companions of Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam understood it; and then act upon this purified Islaam in the correct manner, in all aspects of life, then that will be the day that the Muslims will rejoice at the help of Allaah and His victory. So this is what I am able to write in this short time. I ask Allaah that He grants us and all the Muslims the correct understanding of Islaam – in light of the Book, the authentic Sunnah (guidance) of His Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and that which the Salafus-Saalih (Pious Predecessors) were upon – and that He grants us the ability to act in accordance with it. Indeed Allaah is the One who hears and responds.

1. Taken from al-Asaalah magazine (11/84-87).
2. Saheeh: Related by Abu Daawood (no.3462) and al-Bayhaqee in as-Sunanul-Kubraa (5/316), from ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Umar radiallaahu ‘anhu. It was authenticated by Ibn Taymiyyah in Majmoo’ul-Fataawaa (29/30).
3. Related by al-Qaadee ‘Iyaadh in ash-Shifaa (2/676).
4. Hasan: Related by Ahmad (1/435) and an-Nasaa’ee (7/49), from Ibn Mas’ood radiallaahu ‘anhu. It was authenticated by al-Albaanee in Dhilaalul-Jannah fee Takhreejis-Sunnah (no.16).
5. Hasan: Related by at-Tirmidhee (no.2796) and al-Haakim (1/128), from ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas radiallaahu ‘anhu. It was authenticated by al-Haafidh al-‘lraaqee in Takhreejul-lhyaa (3/199).
6. Saheeh: Related by lbn Sa’d in at-Tabaqaat (2/176),from ‘Alee radiallaahu ‘anhu. It was authenticated by al-ALbaanee in Saheehul-Jaami’ (no.1641).
7. Related by al-Bukhaaee (5/199) and Muslim (7/184), from Ibn Mas’ood radiallaahu ‘anhu.

Why Choose Salafiyah ? by Shaik al-Albanee

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Shaykh Muhammad Nasir Uddin al-Albani / Source: Al-Asaalah, Issue 9

Question:

Why use the name Salafee? Is it a call towards a party or a group or a madh-hab (school of thought)? Or is it a new sect in Islaam ?

Answer:

Indeed, the word Salaf is well known in the Arabic language as well as in the religious terminology. But what concerns us here, is its discussion from the religious standpoint. Thus, it has authentically been reported on the Prophet, sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, that during the sickness from which he died from, he said to Faatimah, radyAllaahu ‘anhaa: “…So fear Allaah and have patience. And I am the best Salaf (predecessor) for you.” 20

Furthermore, the scholars have used this word “Salaf” many times, such that it would be too abundant to number and take into account. Sufficient for us, is one example, and it was that which they have used in their battle against innovations: “And every good lies in following he who has preceded (man salaf) while every evil lies in the innovating of he who came after (man khalaf).”

 However, there are from those who claim to have knowledge, some people who reject this ascription, claiming that there is no basis for it! And so they say: “It is not permissible for a Muslim to say: ‘I am Salafee.’” So it is as if he is saying that it is not permissible for a Muslim to say: “I am following the Salaf As-Saalih (the Pious Predecessors) in what they were upon from beliefs, worship and methodology”! There is no doubt that such a rejection – if that is what he intended – necessitates that one free himself from the correct Islaam, which the righteous predecessors were upon, at the head of whom was the Prophet, sallAllaahu ‘ alayhi wa sallam. This is as is indicated in the mutawaatir hadeeth found in the two Saheehs and other than them, that he, sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “The best of mankind is my generation, then those that come after them, then those that come after them.” So it is not permissible for a Muslim to absolve himself from this ascription to the righteous predecessors, whereas, if he were to absolve himself from any other ascription, the scholars would not be able to ascribe him with disbelief or sinfulness.

As for the one who rejects this name from himself, will you not see him ascribing himself to one of the madh-hab s?! Regardless of whether this madh-hab is related to ‘Aqeedah (Creed) or Fiqh (Jurisprudence)? So he is either Ash’aree or Matureedee. Or perhaps he is from the people of Hadeeth or Hanafee, or Shaafi’ee or Maalikee or Hanbalee or whatever else enters into the title of “Ahl-us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah.” But in spite of this, the one who ascribes himself to the Ash’aree madh-hab or to one of the four madh-habs is in fact ascribing himself to individuals that are not infallible, without a doubt, even if there were scholars among them who were correct (in their verdicts). I wish I knew – why doesn’t he reject the likes of these ascriptions to individuals who are not free from error? But as for the one who ascribes himself to the Salaf As-Saalih (righteous predecessors), then he indeed ascribes himself to infallibility (‘isma h), in the general sense. The Prophet, sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, has mentioned that one of the signs of the Saved Sect is that they will cling tightly onto what the Messenger of Allaah, sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was upon and what his Companions were upon. So whosoever holds tightly onto them, then he is certainly upon the guidance from his Lord.

And furthermore, it is an ascription that brings honor to the one that ascribes himself to it, and one that facilitates for him the way of the Saved Sect. And these matters do not apply to anyone that ascribes himself to any other ascription, since they are not free from one of two things. Either it is an ascription to a specific individual that is not infallible or it is an ascription to a group of people who follow the methodology of this individual who is not infallible. So there is no infallibility (in their ascriptions) either way. On the opposite of this, there is the infallibility of the Companions of the Prophet, sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, (as a whole). And it is that which we have been commanded to hold tightly onto, from his Sunnah and the Sunnah of his Companions after him. And we must persist and strongly emphasize that our understanding of Allaah’s Book and the Sunnah of His Messenger, sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, must be in accordance with the methodology of his, sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, Companions. This is so that we can be upon infallibility, as opposed to inclining away towards the right or the left, or deviating with an understanding that comes solely from ourselves, of which there is not found in the Book of Allaah or the Sunnah of His Messenger, sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, that which provides evidence for it. Furthermore, why is it not sufficient for us to ascribe ourselves to (just) the Qur’aan and the Sunnah? The reason goes back to two matters, the first of which is related to the religious texts , and the second of which is due to the existence of numerous Islaamic groups .

With regard to the first reason, then we find in the religious texts, a command to obey something else in connection with the Qur’aan and the Sunnah, as is found in Allaah’s saying: “O you who believe! Obey Allaah and obey the Messenger and those in authority amongst you.”

 So if there were someone in authority, who was given the oath of allegiance by the Muslims, it would be obligatory to obey him just as it would be obligatory to obey the Qur’aan and the Sunnah. So even if he or those around him commit errors, it would be obligatory to obey him in order to repel the harm of differences of opinions. But this is with the well-known condition: “There is no obedience to a creation (if it involves) disobeying the Creator.” 21

And Allaah, may He be Exalted, says: “And whosoever opposes the Messenger after the guidance has been clearly explained to him, and follows a way other than the Way of the Believers, We will turn him to what he has chosen and burn him in Hell – what an evil destination.” [Surah An-Nisaa: 115]

Indeed, Allaah, Mighty and Sublime, is free and far removed from all imperfections and defects. And there is no doubt or uncertainty that His mentioning of “the Way of the Believers” here, is only due to an immense and comprehensive wisdom and benefit. So it indicates that there is an important obligation – and it is that our following of the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger, sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, must be in accordance with what the first Muslims were upon. And they are the Companions of Allaah’s Messenger, sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, then those who came after them, then those who came after them. And this is what the da’wat-us-salafiyyah (The Salafee Call) invites and calls to. And it is that which is its main priority in the foundation of its call and the methodology of its educating process.

Indeed, the Salafee Call truly unites the ummah, while any other call only causes division to the ummah. Allaah, Mighty and Sublime, says: “O you who believe, fear Allaah, and be with the truthful.” [Surah At-Tawbah: 119]

So anyone that distinguishes between the Book and the Sunnah on one side and the Salaf As-Saalih (Righteous Predecessors) on the other side, then he can never be truthful. As for with regard to the second reason, then the groups and parties of today do not direct at all towards the following of “the Way of the Believers ”, which has been mentioned in the ayah. And there are some ahaadeeth, which further confirm and support that ayah, such as the hadeeth of the seventy-three sects. All of them will be in the Hellfire except one. The Messenger of Allaah, sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, described them as: “The one which is upon the same thing that I and my companions are upon today.” 22

This hadeeth resembles that ayah which mentions the “Way of the Believers ”. Also, there is the hadeeth of Al-‘Irbaad Ibn Saariyah, radyAllaahu ‘anhu, in which he, sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “So stick to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly-guided Khaleefahs after me.” 23

So therefore, there are two Sunnahs: The Sunnah of the Messenger, sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and the Sunnah of the righteous Khaleefahs. So there is no doubt that we – who come in a later time – must return back to the Qur’aan, the Sunnah and “the Way of the Believers.” And it is not permissible for us to say: “We can understand the Qur’aan and the Sunnah by themselves, without turning towards what the righteous predecessors were upon.” And there must be an ascription in this time that distinguishes and is detailed. So it is not sufficient for us to say, “I am a Muslim” only! Or “My madh-hab is Islaam”! For every sect says that! – the Raafidee, the Ibaadee, the Qadyianee, as well as other sectarians!! So what is it that distinguishes you from them?

And if you were to say, “I am a Muslim who is upon the Qur’aan and the Sunnah”, this would also not be sufficient. This is because, the members of these sects – of the Ash’arees and the Matureedees and the Hizbees – they all claim to follow these two sources also. So there is no doubt that the clear, plain, distinctive and decisive classification is to say, “I am a Muslim who is upon the Qur’aan and the Sunnah and upon the methodology of the Salaf As-Saalih (Pious Predecessors). And that can be said in short by saying, “I am a Salafee.” So based on this, indeed the truth which is unavoidable, is that it is not enough to rely on the Qur’aan and the Sunnah without the methodology of the Sala f, for it explains these two with regard to understanding and concept, knowledge and action, and da’wah (calling) and Jihaad.

And we know that they (the Sahaabah), may Allaah be pleased with them, did not used to fanatically cling onto one specific madh-hab or to one specific individual. So there was not found amongst them he who was Bakree (a follower of Abu Bakr), or ‘Umaree (a follower of ‘Umar), or ‘Uthmaanee (a follower of ‘Uthmaan) or ‘Alawee (a follower of ‘Alee). Rather, if it were more easy for one of them to ask Abu Bakr or ‘Umar or Abu Hurairah, he would ask any of them. This is because they believed that it was not permissible to have total and unrestricted devotion in following, except to one individual. Indeed, he was the Messenger of Allaah sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, the one who did not speak from his own desire, rather it was only revelation revealed to him.

And if we were to submit to these criticizers, for the sake of argument, that we would name ourselves “Muslims” only, without ascribing ourselves to the Salaf – in spite of it being an honorable and correct ascription. Would they abandon classifying themselves with the names of their parties or their madh-habs or their ways – based on the fact that they are not prescribed in the Religion nor are they correct? “So this contrast between us is enough for you And every container becomes wet due to what is in it.” And Allaah is the Guide to the Right Path. And He, free is He from all defects, is the One in whom we seek assistance.

[Al-Asaala h, Issue 9]

The Complete Guidance on the Rulings of Wiping : Shaykh al-Albanee

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Imaam Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen Al-Albaanee
Tamaam-un-Nas’h fee Ahkaam-il-Mas’h ( which is an appendix to his checking of the book Al-Mas’h ‘alaal-Jawrabayn of Imaam Jamaal-ud-Deen Al-Qaasimee)
Translated by isma’eel alarcon

1. Wiping over the shoes: As for wiping over the shoes (na’alayn) [1] when performing ablution, then it has become popular amongst the contemporaries to say that it is not permissible to wipe over them. And we do not know of any evidence to support that claim, other than what has been stated by Al- Bayhaqee (rahimahullaah) in his Sunan (1/288):

“The asl is the obligation for washing the feet, unless there is an established aspect of the Sunnah that makes it more specific, or there is a consensus (ijmaa’) in which there is no differing. And wiping over the shoes or the socks is not included in any of the two, and Allaah knows best.”

This is what he has stated. And it is well known, unfortunately, that it indicates an unawareness of the previously mentioned ahaadeeth in this treatise [2] regarding the establishment of wiping over the socks and the shoes. And the chains of narration regarding some of them are authentic, as has been clarified previously. This is why At- Turkmanee Al-Hanafee (rahimahullaah) commented on these words, saying:

“This is incorrect, for it has preceded that At- Tirmidhee has authenticated the (hadeeth of) wiping over the socks and the shoes and declared it hasan from the hadeeth of Muzayl on Al- Mugheerah (radhiAllaahu anhu).

He also declared the hadeeth of Ad- Dahhaak on Abu Moosaa (radhiAllaahu anhu) to be hasan. Also, Ibn Hibbaan has verified wiping over the shoes by authenticating the hadeeth of Aws (radhiAllaahu anhu).

Similarly, Ibn Khuzaimah [2] has authenticated the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Umar (radhiAllaahu anhu) on wiping over the shoes. And what Al-Bayhaqee mentioned from the hadeeth of Zayd Ibn Al-Hibaab on Ath-Thawree (meaning with the chain of narration going to Ibn ‘Umar (radhiAllaahu anhu) and it was stated previously) regarding wiping over the shoes, is a good hadeeth. Ibn Al- Qataan has also authenticated it on Ibn ‘Umar (radhiAllaahu anhu).”

[Al-Jawhar-un-Naqee (1/288)]

I say that once you have come to know this, it is not permissible to even hesitate in accepting this allowance – especially after the hadeeth concerning it have been established.

This is since, as the author (Al- Qaasimee) has stated in what has been mentioned previously: “The hadeeth concerning it are authentic, thus there is no recourse other than to hear and obey.”

This is especially the case after knowing that the Sahaabah acted in accordance with it. And foremost amongst them, was the rightly guided Khaleefah, ‘Alee Ibn Abee Taalib (raa). Furthermore, it is the view that was held by some of the Imaams from the pious predecessors (Salaf As-Saalih), may Allaah be pleased with all of them.

Thus, Ibn Hazm (rahimahullaah) said in Al-Muhallaa (2/103):

“Issue: So if the footwear (khuff) are cut so that they fall beneath the ankles, then wiping over them is permissible. This is the opinion of Al- Awzaa’ee and it has been reported on him that he said: ‘The muhrim may wipe over his shoes that come beneath the ankles…’ Others have stated: ‘He may not wipe over them unless they go over the ankles.'”

2. Wiping over khuffs or socks that have holes in them:

As for wiping over khuffs (leather socks) or socks that are torn with holes, then the scholars have differed in this issue with many opinions. The majority of them forbid it based on a long differing amongst them, which you can see in the detailed discussions found in the books of Fiqh and Al-Muhallaa. Other scholars held the opinion that it was permissible, and this is the opinion that we favor. Our argument for this is that: the source principle is the (absolute) allowance for wiping. So whoever forbids it, or places a condition on it – such as that they must be void of any holes – or he places limits to it, then he is refuted by the statement of the Prophet:

“Every condition that is not found in the Book of Allaah, then it is false.” [Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim]

It has also been authentically reported that Sufyaan Ath-Thawree (rahimahullaah) said: “Wipe over them (the socks) so long as they are attached to your feet. Were the socks of the Muhaajireen and the Ansaar anything but torn (with holes), ripped and tattered?” [Reported by ‘Abd-ur-Razzaaq in Al-Musannaf (no.753 ) and from that path of narration, by Al-Bayhaqee (1/283)]

Ibn Hazm (rahimahullaah) said:

“So if there is found in the khuffs, or whatever is worn on the feet, any holes that are small or large, long or wide, such that some part of the foot is visible, whether a little or a lot, or both, then all of that is the same. And wiping over them is permissible, so long as any part of it continues to attach itself to the feet. This is the opinion of Sufyaan Ath-Thawree, Dawood, Abu Thawr, Ishaaq Ibn Raahawaih and Yazeed Ibn Haaroon.” [Al-Muhallaa (2/100)]

Then he (rahimahullaah) goes on to relate the statements of the scholars that forbid it, according to what they contain from differing and contradiction. And then he goes on to refute them and explain that it is an opinion that has no evidence to support it except opinion. Then he closed that with his statement:

“However the truth in this matter is what is reported in the Sunnah, which explains the Qur’aan, in that the ruling for the two feet, which do not have any garment over them to wipe over, is that they must be washed. And the ruling for the two, if there is a garment over them, is that they can be wiped over. This is what is reported in the Sunnah ‘and your Lord is not forgetful.’ [Surah Maryan:64 ]

The Messenger (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) knew, when he commanded for the wiping over the khuffs or whatever is worn on the feet – and he wiped over the socks – that there was large and small holes, as well as no holes, in the shoes, socks and whatever else is worn on the feet.

And he (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) also knew that there existed the footwear that was red, black or white as well as the new and the old. But he (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) did not specify some of it over another. And if the ruling for that in the Religion varied, then Allaah would not have forgotten to send down revelation concerning it, nor would the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) have neglected explaining it, far is he removed from that. Thus, it is correct that the ruling for this wiping applies to all conditions.” [Al-Muhallaa (2/100)]

Also, Shaikh- ul-Islaam Ibn Taimiyyah (rahimahullaah) said in his Ikhtiyaaraat (pg.13 ):

“It is permissible to wipe over the (foot) garments on one of its two sides – Ibn Tameem and others related this. It is also permissible to wipe over the khuff that has holes in it, so long as it continues to hold that name (khuff) and one is able to walk in it. This is the older of the two opinions Ash- Shaafi’ee held on it, and it is that which Abul-Barakaat and other scholars have preferred.”

I say: Ar-Raafi’ee attributed this view in Sharh Al-Wajeez (2/370) to the majority of the scholars and uses as a support for it, his argument that the opinion that forbids wiping over them, narrows the door of this allowance, so one must wipe. And he was correct, may Allaah have mercy on him.

3. Does taking off the footwear that is wiped over, nullify the ablution?

The scholars have also differed concerning the one who takes off the khuff and its types after having performed ablution and wiped over them. Their differing can be divided into three opinions.

The First: His ablution is valid and he is not required to do anything.

The Second: He must wash his two feet only.

The Third: He must redo his ablution.

Each of these opinions were held by groups of scholars among the predecessors (Salaf). ‘ Abd-ur-Razzaaq (rahimahullaah) has transmitted their narrations regarding these opinions in his Al-Musannaf (1/210/809-813), as well as Ibn Abee Shaybah (1/187-188) and Al-Bayhaqee (1/289-290).

There is no doubt that the first opinion is what is most correct, for it is in correspondence with the essence of wiping, in that it is an allowance and a facilitation from Allaah. Thus any opinion, other than the first, would deny this facilitation, as has been stated by Ar-Raafi’ee in the previous Issue (#2). Furthermore, the other two opinions are outweighed by two arguments, based on the following two evidences:

First: It complies with the action of the rightly guided Khaleefah ‘Alee Ibn Abee Taalib (raa), for we have presented previously with an authentic chain of narration, that he (raa) once broke his ablution, then performed a new one and wiped over his shoes. Then he took them off and prayed (without them).

Second: It is in compliance with the correct analogy, for indeed if one were to wipe over his head and then shave his hair off, he would not be obligated to wipe over his head again, since he would already have ablution. This is the opinion that Shaikh-ul-Islaam Ibn Taimiyyah (rahimahullaah) favored, as he states in his Ikhtiyaaraat (page15 ):

“The ablution of the one who has wiped over his khuffs and turban is not canceled when he removes either of these two garments. Nor is it canceled by the cessation of its time limit (for wiping). And he is not obligated to wipe over his head nor is he required to wash his feet (because of removing the head or foot garment). This is the view of Al- Hasan Al-Basree. This (view) takes the similitude of the hair that is wiped, according to the correct opinion of the Hanbalee madh-hab and the opinion of the majority of the scholars.”

This was also the view of Ibn Hazm (rahimahullaah), so refer to his words in which he argues against those that oppose it, for indeed it is valuable. [See Al- Muhallaa (2/105-109)]

As for what has been reported by Ibn Abee Shayba (1/187) and Al-Bayhaqee (1/289) on the authority of a man among the Prophet’s companions, who when asked about a person that wiped over his khuffs, then took them off, said: “He should wash his feet.” Then in the chain of narration of this hadeeth is Yazeed Ibn ‘Abd-ir-Rahmaan ad-Daalaanee.

Al-Haafidh Ibn Hajr (rahimahullaah) said of him: “He is truthful, however he made too many mistakes in his narration. And he used to commit tadlees. Al- Bayhaqee (rahimahullaah) reported a similar narration from Abu Bakrah (raa). The narrators of this hadeeth are all reliable except for ‘Alee Ibn Muhammad Al- Qurshee, for I do not know of him.”

Then he (rahimahullaah) reported from Al- Mugheerah Ibn Shu’aba that he (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said: “Wiping over the footwear is three days for the traveler and one day for the resident, so long as he doesn’t remove them.”

Then he (rahimahullaah) said. “‘ Umar Ibn Rudaih is alone in reporting this and he is not a strong reporter.”

I say that this addition of “so long as he doesn’t remove them” is rejected due to the loneliness of this weak narrator in reporting it and due to the lack of there being any supporting evidence for it.

Footnotes:

[1] Translator’s Note: The word used in this treatise for shoes is na’alayn, which can mean sandals or shoes that do not pass the ankle. At the time of Allaah’s Messenger (صلّى الله عليه وسلّم ) , the people used to wear these sandals, which were considered shoes. We have decided to translate the word as shoes for fear that if the word sandals were used, people would limit the ruling found in this treatise to just sandals, while the rulings apply to any type of shoe worn on the foot. And Allaah knows best.

[2] Translator’s Note: The treatise he is referring to is Al-Mas-h ‘Alaa Al-Jawrabain (Wiping over the Socks) by the great scholar of Shaam Jamaal-ud-Deen Al-Qaasimee (rahimahullaah). This treatise of Shaikh Al-Albaanee comes directly after his checking of Al-Qaasimee’s book. Al-Albaanee included this last section to the book in order to clarify common misunderstandings present today and to compliment the book. Thus, there will be some references made to this book, such as “as has been stated previously”. This means previously in the book Al-Mas-h ‘Alaa Al-Jawrabain.

Footnotes:

[1] Translator’s Note: The word used in this treatise for shoes is na’alayn, which can mean sandals or shoes that do not pass the ankle. At the time of Allaah’s Messenger (صلّى الله عليه وسلّم  ) , the people used to wear these sandals, which were considered shoes. We have decided to translate the word as shoes for fear that if the word sandals were used, people would limit the ruling found in this treatise to just sandals, while the rulings apply to any type of shoe worn on the foot. And Allaah knows best.

[2] Translator’s Note: The treatise he is referring to is Al-Mas-h ‘Alaa Al-Jawrabain (Wiping over the Socks) by the great scholar of Shaam Jamaal-ud-Deen Al-Qaasimee (rahimahullaah). This treatise of Shaikh Al-Albaanee comes directly after his checking of Al-Qaasimee’s book. Al-Albaanee included this last section to the book in order to clarify common misunderstandings present today and to compliment the book. Thus, there will be some references made to this book, such as “as has been stated previously”. This means previously in the book Al-Mas-h ‘Alaa Al-Jawrabain.

Download the PDF documentThe Complete Guidance on the Rules of Wiping (over Footwear) – Shaykh Albanee

4. When does the time limit for wiping begin?

There are two well-known views of the scholars concerning this issue:

The First: It begins at the point when the ablution is broken (for the first time), after having put on the footwear.

The second: It begins at the point when the first wiping occurs after, having broken the ablution.

Abu Haneefah, Ash- Shaafi’ee, Ahmad and their companions held the first opinion. And we do not know of any evidence on their part, which deserves mentioning, other than that it was simply an opinion. It is for this reason that some of their companions (i.e. from the same madh-hab) have contradicted them, as we shall mention. Nor do we know any of the predecessors from the Sahaabah that opposed the second view, for their guide was the authentic ahaadeeth and the ruling of ‘Umar Ibn Al- Khattaab (raa).

As for the Sunnah, then there are the authentic ahaadeeth, which were reported on many of the companions, in Saheeh Muslim, the Four Sunan collections, the Musnads and others. In these narrations, the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) commanded wiping. In some narrations he allowed the wiping. And in one narration, he (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) prescribed wiping the length of one day and one night for the resident and three days and three nights for the traveler.

From the matters that are extremely evident, is that this hadeeth serves as a determining factor for the commencement of the time period for wiping, in that it begins immediately after the (first) wiping. It also serves as a refutation for the first opinion, since that (opinion) necessitates, as is determined in the subsidiary issues (furoo’), that the person that prays the Fajr prayer shortly before the rising of the sun, then breaks his ablution (for the first time) during the time of Fajr on the second day. Then performs a new ablution and wipes over his footwear for the first time for the Fajr prayer, that he is not permitted to wipe over them after that! So is it truthful to say that this person has performed the wiping for “a day and a night”?!

If we go according to the second opinion, the one that is most correct, then he is able to wipe over his footwear until shortly before the Fajr prayer of the third day. Rather, they hold even a more strange view than that of what we have mentioned. And it is that: “If one excretes and doesn’t wipe over his footwear, such that a day and a night, or three if he is a traveler, comes to pass, after the excretion. The time limit comes to an end and wiping is not permissible after that, until he takes off his footwear, renews his ablution and then puts his footwear back on.” [An-Nawawee mentioned this opinion in his Majmoo’ (1/476)]

Thus, they prevent an individual from making use of this allowance (rukh-sah), basing it upon this opinion, which is in opposition to the Sunnah! For this reason, Imaam An-Nawawee (rahimahullaah) was left with no choice but to go in contradiction to his madh-hab, due to the strength of the evidence, even though he was keen not to contradict it (the Shaafi’ee madh-hab) if he was able to. So after relating the first opinion and those that held it, he (rahimahullaah) said:

“Al-Awzaa’ee and Abu Thawr said: ‘The commencement of the time limit begins at the point of the (first) wiping (over the footwear) after the first breaking of the ablution.’ And it is a report from Ahmad and Dawood. This is the most favorable (opinion), the one that has the most established evidences in support of it. Ibn Al- Mundhir has favored this view. And something similar to this has been related on ‘ Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab (raa). Al- Maawardee and Ash-Shaashee have reported on Al- Hasan Al- Basree that it begins when the footwear is put on. Those that say that the time limit begins at the point of the (first) wiping use as evidence, the following hadeeth of the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam): ‘The traveler may wipe (over his footwear) for three days.’ And these ahaadeeth are authentic as has been stated previously. This hadeeth is conclusive evidence that he (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) wiped (over his footwear) for three days. And this would not be possible, unless the time limit began from the first wiping. And this is also because Ash- Shaafi’ee said: ‘If one excretes while he is a resident, (then travels) and wipes (over his footwear) while traveling, he should completes the wiping (duration) of a traveler, for the ruling for wiping applies.’ Our (Shaafi’ee) companions use the hadeeth of Safwaan (raa), which has been reported by Al-Haafidh Al-Qaasim Ibn Zakariya Al-Matrazee: ‘…from the time of excretion to the time of excretion…’ to support their view. And this is a strange addition (to the hadeeth). It is not established. And they also use Qiyaas (judgment derived by analogy) for their claim…” [Al-Majmoo’ (1/487)]

I say: If the Qiyaas that is mentioned here, is by itself correct in its validity, then for it to be accepted and used as an evidence, it must meet the condition of not contradicting the Sunnah. But if it does contradict it, as I believe it does, then it is not permissible to incline (one’s view) towards it. For this reason it is said:

“When the narrations are mentioned, the deduction is nullified.
And when the influx of Allaah comes, the influx of intellect is nullified.”

How can this analogy be correct, when it also contradicts the opinion of the rightly guided Khaleefah ‘ Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab? I know the blind followers claim to accept the authentic Sunnah when it contradicts ‘Umar’s opinion, as they have done regarding the issue of the pronouncement of the third divorce. So why don’t they accept his opinion when it does conform with the Sunnah?! ‘Abd-ur-Razzaaq has reported in Al-Musannaf on Abu ‘Uthmaan An-Nahdee, who said:

“I came upon Sa’ad and Ibn ‘Umar when they were both arguing in front of ‘Umar (raa) concerning the issue of wiping over the khuffs. So ‘Umar (raa) said: ‘He can wipe over them until the same hour (of the first wiping), for that day and night.'” [Al-Musannaf (1/209/807)]

I say that its chain of narration is authentic according to the conditions of Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim. And it is a conclusive evidence for the fact that the (time limit for) wiping begins when it is first executed over the footwear, and lasts until that same hour the next day. This is what is predominantly apparent in all the narrations that have been reported on the Sahaabah concerning the time limit for the wiping, according to what we have knowledge of, from what has been reported by ‘Abd-ur-Razzaaq and Ibn Abee Shayba in Al-Musannaf. As an example, I will mention what Ibn Abee Shayba (1/180) reported on ‘Amr Ibn Al-Haarith, that he said:

“I traveled with ‘Abdullaah to the (various) cities and he wiped over his khuffs for three days, while not taking them off at all.”

Its chain of narration is saheeh according to the conditions of Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim. Thus, the narrations from the predecessors along with the Sunnah of Muhammad (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) have agreed with what we have stated. So hold onto it and by the Will of Allaah, you will be guided.

5. Does the end of the time limit cancel the ablution?

Concerning this issue, the scholars are divided into several opinions, the most famous of which are two from the Shaafi’ee madh-hab. And they are:

The First: One is obligated to renew his ablution

The Second: It suffices him to just wash his feet

The Third: There is nothing required of him. Rather, his ablution is valid and he can pray while in its state, so long as he does not excrete or break it. This is what An-Nawawee (rahimahullaah) has stated.

I say: This third opinion is the most strongest of them. And it is that which An-Nawawee favored, also in contradiction to his madh-hab. Thus, he said: “This opinion has been related by Ibn Al- Mundhir on Al- Hasan Al-Basree, Qataadah and Sulaimaan Ibn Harb. Ibn Al- Mundhir favored it. And it is what is the most preferable and most convincing. Our (Shaafi’ee) companions have reported it from Dawood.” [Al-Majmoo’ (1/527)]

I say that Ash-Shi’araanee has related it to Imaam Maalik in Al-Meezaan (1/150) and An-Nawawee related it to others, so refer to it. Also, it is the opinion that Shaikh- ul-Islaam Ibn Taimiyyah took, as you have seen in his afore-mentioned words under the Third Issue, in accordance with Ibn Hazm. And this last one (Ibn Hazm) mentions that the other scholars that held this opinion, included Ibraaheem An-Nakha’ee and Ibn Abee Lailaa.

Then he (rahimahullaah) said:
“This is the view of which it is not permissible to take anyone other than it. This is since there is no mention in the reports that the ablution is annulled due to the body parts that are washed over or some of them, by the termination of the time limit for wiping. Indeed, the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) only forbade that someone wipe over them for more than three days for the traveler and for more than one day for the resident. So whoever holds an opinion contrary to this, then he has crammed some (false) meaning into the reports that which is not present there, and into the statement of the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) that which he (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) did not say. So whoever does this mistakenly, then there is nothing upon him. And whoever does it intentionally after the argument has been established against him, then he has embarked on committing one of the major sins. And nothing cancels the ablution, except for the excretion (hadath). And this person that has correctly performed his ablution and then does not excrete, then he is in a state of purity. And anyone that is in a state of purity can pray so long as he does not excrete or so long as there does not occur a clear text stating that his purity has been canceled, even if he doesn’t excrete. So this person, whose time limit for wiping has finished, he has not broken his ablution and there is no text that states that his state of purity has been annulled, whether on some of his body parts or all of them. So he is in a state of purity and can pray. This is until he excretes, at which point, he must take off his khuffs and whatever else is worn on his feet, and perform ablution. Then the time limit for wiping is renewed again. And this is the way it will always be and with Allaah lies the success.” [Al-Muhallaa (2/94)]

Beirut1370 H Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen Al-Albaanee

The Ruling Concerning Multiple Groups and Parties : al-Albaani, ibn Baz, ibn Uthaymeen

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Fatwaas by Shaykh ’Abdul-’Azeez bin Baaz, Shaykh Naasirud-Deen al-Albaanee, Shaykh ibn Uthaymeen
Al-Ibaanah Online, Issue No.3 – Dhul-Qa’dah 1416H / April 1996

Fatwa of Shaykh bin Baaz [1]

[Q] What is the obligation upon the Muslim Scholars with regard to the large number of jamiyyaat (societies) and jamaa’at (groups) in many of the Islaamic lands and elsewhere, and with regard to the differences that exist between them, to the point that each group declares the others to be misguided. Do you not hold that it is fitting to enter into explaining the like of this matter, and to clarify the truth concerning their differences, for fear that these differences will increase and lead to evil consequences for the Muslims?

[A]: Our Prophet sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam made clear to us a single way which it is obligatory upon the Muslims to follow and traverse, and that is Allaah’s Straight Path and the methodology of His upright religion. Allaah – the Most High – said: “And this is My Straight Path, so follow it and do not follow other paths that will separate you from His Path. This has He ordained for you, that you may become pious.” [Soorah al An’aam 6:153]. Just as the Lord of Might and Majesty warned the Ummah (nation) of Muhammad sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam against splitting and disunity, since that is one of the greatest causes of failure and of the enemy taking control, as occurs in the saying of Allaah – the Mighty and Majestic’s – : “And hold fast altogether to the rope of Allaah and do not be divided.” [Soorah Aal-Imraan 3: 101 ]. And His – the Most High’s – saying: “He has ordained for you the same religion which He ordained for Nooh, and that which We revealed to you, and that which We ordained for Ibraaheem, Moosaa and ’Eesaa ’alayhimus-salaam, saying: that you should establish the religion by doing that which you are ordered with, and make no divisions in it. Intolerable for the Pagans is that to which you call them.” [Soorah ash-Shooraa 42:13].

So this is a Divine call to unity and for hearts to be harmonised. And in any Islaamic land, if there are many groups for the purpose of good, aid, cooperating in righteousness and piety between the Muslims without their being differences between the desires of the companions and followers – then this is good, is a blessing, and produces great benefit.

However, if each of them declare the others to be misguided and attack their actions, then this harm is very great and its evil consequences very serious. Then what is obligatory upon the Muslims is to clarify the true state of affairs and to discuss with each group and to sincerely advise all of them that they should proceed upon the way laid down by Allaah for His servants, and upon that which our Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam called to. Then those who ignore this, or continue in their stubbornness, due to personal benefit or goal – known only to Allaah – then what is obligatory upon those who know the reality is to make this known about them and to warn against them, so that the people may avoid their path, and that those who do not know the reality of their affair may not fall into it and be led astray, and that they are not turned away from the Straight Path which Allaah ordered that we follow, as occurs in His – the Mighty and Majestic’s – saying: “And this is My Straight Path, so follow it and do not follow other paths that will separate you from His Path. This has He ordained for you, that you may become pious.” [Soorah al-An’aam 6:153]. And from that which there is no doubt about is that the multitude of sects and groups in the Islaamic society is, firstly something desired by Shaytaan, and secondly something desired by the enemies of Islaam from amongst mankind. Since agreement and unification of the Muslims, and their being aware of the dangers which threaten them and their ’aqeedah (beliefs), will make them active in refuting and rebutting it, and acting in a unified manner for the benefit of the Muslims, thereby repelling the danger from their religion, their lands and their brothers. And this is something which the enemies -from amongst mankind and jinn – are not pleased with. Therefore they are very eager to split-up the Muslims, destroy their unity and to sow the seeds of enmity and discord between them. We ask Allaah that He unites the Muslims upon the truth and that He removes from their society every type of misguidance and every cause of discord. Indeed He is the One Who is able to do that, and He is the One having full power over it.

The Fatwaa of Shaykh al-Albaanee [2]

[Q]: What is the Sharee’ah ruling concerning these numerous Islaamic groups, parties and organizations which differ amongst themselves in their minhaaj (methodology), their modes of operations, their da’wah (call), their ’aqeedah (beliefs) and the foundations upon which they are based. Especially when the group of truth is a single one, as is proven by the hadeeth?

[A]: We have spoken a lot about the answer to this question, therefore we shall be brief whilst speaking about it. So we say: It will not be hidden from any Muslim who has knowledge of the Book and the Sunnah and that which our Salafus-Saalih (Pious Predecessors) – may Allaah be pleased with them all – were upon, that firstly; formation of parties and organizing into groups with differing thought, and secondly; differing in the minhaaj (methodology), is not from Islaam at all. Rather it is from what our Lord – the Mighty and Majestic – has actually forbidden, in more than one aayah (verse) from the noble Qur‘aan. From this is His – the Most High’s – saying: “And do not be like those who worship others besides Allaah – those who split-up their religion and become sects. Each party rejoicing in only that which is with them.” [Soorah Room 30:31-32]. And our Lord – the Mighty and Majestic – also says: “And if your Lord has so willed, He could have made mankind a single nation. But they will not cease to differ, except those upon whom your Lord has bestowed His Mercy.” [Soorah Hood 11: 118 -119] So Allaah – the Most Blessed, the Most High – made exempted from this differing and disagreement – a differing which must occur by Allaah’s creational Decree , but not as something that He is pleased with or desires from us – that sect upon which He has bestowed His Mercy, as occurs in His saying: “ … except those upon whom your Lord has bestowed His Mercy.” And there is no doubt whatsoever, that any group that has purity of intention for Allaah, and earnestly desire to be from that nation which is exempted from this differing; and upon whom Allaah has bestowed His Mercy, then there is no way to practically reach and attain this in the Islaamic societies, except by returning to the Book and to the Sunnah of the Messenger sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam and to what our Salafus-Saalih (Pious Predecessors) – may Allaah be pleased with them all – were upon.

And Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam made clear the manhaj (methodology) and the correct way, in many authentic ahaadeeth: From the Prophet sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam, that one day he drew a straight line upon the ground, and drew short lines around the straight line. Then he recited Allaah – the Most Blessed, the Most High’s – saying: “And this is My Straight Path, so follow it, and do not follow paths other that will separate you from His Path.” [Soorah al-An’aam 6:153]. He then pointed with his finger to the straight line and said that this is Allaah’s Straight Path. Then he pointed to the other lines away from the Straight Path and said: “At the head of each of these other paths, there is a devil calling the people to it.” [3]

And there is no doubt that these short paths are those which represent the many parties and groups. Therefore, what is obligatory upon every Muslim who truly desires to be from al-Firqatun-Naajiyah (the Saved Sect) is that he proceeds upon the Straight Path – neither turning to its left or its right. And there is no party which is successful, except the Party of Allaah, about which the noble Qur‘aan mentions to us: “Indeed, it is the Party of Allaah who are succesful.” [Soorah al-Mujaadilah 58:22].

Therefore, every party which is not the party of Allaah is only from the party of Shaytaan and not from the party of ar-Rahmaan (the Most Merciful). And there is also no doubt at all, that proceeding upon the Straight Path requires correct knowledge of it, and this cannot be attained by mere organization and mere formation of parties – that desire to be upon true Islaam, but not truly understanding what was the Islaam that Allaah – the Most Blessed, the Most High – sent down upon the heart of Muhammad sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam. And the sign of the Saved-Sect was clearly stated by the Prophet sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam, when he was asked about it – so he said: “It is that which I and my Companions are upon.” [4]

So this hadeeth indicates to the one eagerly seeking knowledge of Allaah’s Straight Path, that one must have knowledge of two extremely important matters: – Firstly: That which the Messenger sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam was upon. Secondly. That which his sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam’s Companions were upon. this is because the noble Companions were those who transmitted the guidance of the Prophet sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam and his Sunnah to us, and secondly that they were the ones who best followed this Sunnah in practice. So since this is the case, it is not therefore possible for us to have a correct understanding of the Prophet’s Sunnah, except by way of his Companions … Thus, attaining a correct understanding of Islaam cannot be possible except through knowing the life examples of the Companions and how they followed this great Islaam which they took from the Prophet sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam – either from his sayings, actions or tacit approvals.

Therefore, we believe with certainty, that every group that does not establish itself upon the foundations of the Book and the Sunnah and the manhaj (methodology) of the Salafus-Saalih having extensively and comprehensively studied the rulings of Islaam, the large and the small, the principles and the branches then this group will not be from the Saved Sect; the Sect that which proceeds upon the Straight Path which was indicated by the Messenger sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam in the authentic hadeeth.

And if we imagined that there are separate groups in the Islaamic lands, upon this manhaj (methodology), then they will not be considered as being parties, rather they are a single group, with a single manhaj and its path is a single one. Though they are separated by land, they are not, however, separated in thoughts, ’aqeedah (beliefs), or manhaj. Rather this separation is only due to a physical separation of land – as opposed to the various groups and parties, which may even be in a single land, yet despite this, each party is pleased only with what it possess. As for these types of parties, we do not believe that they are upon the Straight Path. Rather we state with certainty, that they are upon those paths – at the head of each one there is a devil calling the people to it. And hopefully this contains an answer for what has preceded.

The Fatwaa of Shaykh Ibn al-’Uthaymeen [5]

[QJ: Are there any texts from the Book of Allaah or the Sunnah of His Prophet sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam which contain an allowance of multiple groups and parties or al-Ikhwaan?

[A]: I say: There is not in either the Book or the Sunnah that which allows multiple parties and groups. Rather, there is in the Book and the Sunnah that which censures this. Allaah – the Most High – said: “Verily those who split-up their religion and become sects, you have no concern with them in the least. Their affair is with Allaah, Who will tell them about what they used to do.” [Soorah al-An’aam 6: 159]. Allaah – the Most High – said: “Each sect rejoicing in only that which is with itself.” [Soorah Room 30:32]. And there is no doubt that these parties are contrary to what Allaah ordered. Rather what Allaah has ordered and encouraged is in His saying: “And indeed this Ummah of yours is one Ummah and I am your Lord, so fear and obey Me.” [Soorah al-Mu‘minoon 23:52]. And some people say: It is not possible for the da’wah (call) to be strong unless it is done within the framework of a party! We say to that: This is incorrect! Rather the da’wah will be strong whenever the person is under the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam following the narrations of the Prophet sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam and that of his Companions.

References

1. Majmoo’ Fataawaa wa Maqaalaat Mutanawwi’ah (5/202-204).
2. Fataawaa Shaykh al-Albaanee (pp.106-114)
3. Hasan: Related by Ahmad (l/435) and an-Nasaa‘ee (7/49).
4. Hasan: Related by at-Tirmidhee (5/26).
5. From a cassette entitled Majmoo’ Kalaamul-’Ulemaa fee ’Abdur-Rahmaan ’Abdul-Khaaliq (side two).

Comprehensive Guidance

From al-Haarith al-Ash’aree radiallaahu ’anhu, who said that Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam said:

Indeed Allaah – the Most High – ordered Yahyaa ibn Zakariyyaa ’alayhimus-salaam with five things; that he should act upon them and order the Chldren of Israa‘eel to cat upon them. ’Eesaa ibn Maryam ’alayhis-salaam said to him: Indeed Allaah ordered you with five things, that you act upon them and that you order the Children of Israa‘eel to act upon them. So either you order them, or I will order them. So Zakariyyaa said: If you precede me in that, I fear that I will be punished or swallowed up by the earth. So he gathered the people in the mosque of Jerusalem until it was filled, and the people sat upon its walls. He admonished them saying:

“Indeed Allaah has ordered me with five things which I should act upon and order you to act upon. The first of them is that you should worship Allaah and not associate anything along with Him in this worship. That one who associates anything in worship with Allaah is like a man who bought a slave with his own wealth – either gold or silver – and said: This is my house and this is my work, so work and give the wages to me. So the slave worked and gives the wages to other than his owner. So which of you would be pleased for his slave to be like that? But Allaah created you and provides for you, so do not associate anything in worship with Him.

And I order you with Prayer, and when you pray then do not turn aside.

And I order you with Fasting. And that is the like of a man, amongst a group of people, who had a small pouch containing musk. Each of them likes to smell it. And, to Allaah, the fasting person is better than the smell of musk.

And I order you with sadaqah (charity). For its likeness is that of a man taken prisoner by the enemy, so they take hold of him and tie his hand to his neck, so he says: Will you not allow me to ransom myself from you? So he gives them small and large amounts to escape from them.

And I order you to make mention and remember Allaah alot. And the like of this is a man being chased by the enemy, who are hastening after him. So he comes to a protected fortress and enters into its protection. Likewise is the case for the servant. For he does not protect himself from Shaytaan, except through the remembrance of Allaah – the Mighty and Majestic.”

Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam said: “I order you with five things which Allaah ordered me with: The Jamaa’ah, [1] hearing, obeying, hijrah (migration) and jihaad in the way of Allaah – the Mighty and Majestic. So whosoever separates from the Jamaa’ah by a hand-span, throws of the yoke of Islaam from his neck, unless he repents. And whosoever calls with the call of the days of ignorance, then he is from the horde of Hell-Fire” It was said: Even if he fasts and prays? He said: “Even if he fasts and prays. So call with the call of Allaah, which Allaah gave: The Muslims, the Believers, Worshippers of Allaah.” [2]

1. At Teebee said – as occurs in Tuhfatul-Awaadhee Sharh Sununut-Tirmidhee (5/162): “What is meant by the Jamaa’ah is the Companions, the Taabi’een and the generation after the Taabi’een – the Salafus-Saalih (Pious Predecessors): That is, I order you to cling to their guidance and their way, and to associate with them.”
2. Saheeh: Related by at-Tirmidhee (nos.2863.4), at-Tiyaalasee (nos.1161-2) and others. And its chain of narration is Saheeh

When is the Night of Al-Qadr? Imaams Al-Albaanee and Ibn Al-‘Uthaimeen

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Source: al-ibaanah.com
Translator: isma’eel alarcon

The Night of Al-Qadr occurs in the last ten nights of Ramadaan during an odd night (i.e. 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th). However the scholars differ as to if it is fixed to one of these odd nights every year or if it changes every year to a different odd-numbered night. Below are the sayings of two of our great scholars, Muhammad Ibn Saalih Al-‘Uthaimeen and Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen Al-Albaanee (may Allaah have mercy on both of them).

The Night of Al-Qadr has a Fixed Date:

The best night in Ramadaan is the Night of Al-Qadr, based on the Prophet’s saying: “Whoever performs the night prayer on the Night of Al-Qadr with firm faith and while seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven.” [1]

It is on the twenty-seventh night of Ramadaan according to the strongest opinion. A majority of the ahaadeeth comply with this, including the hadeeth of Zurr Ibn Hubaysh who said: “I heard Ubay Bin Ka’ab (raa) say when it was said to him that ‘Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood (raa) said “Whoever performs the night prayer (every night) throughout the year will achieve the Night of Al-Qadr.” He (Ubay Bin Ka’ab) said: “May Allaah have mercy on him, his intention was that the people not (grow lazy) and depend solely (on just one night). By the One of whom there is no deity worthy of worship beside Him, it is indeed in Ramadaan. And by Allaah I know on which night it is. It is on the night that Allaah’s Messenger (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) commanded us to perform the Night Prayer. It is on the twenty-seventh night. Its sign is that the sun rises on its following morning bright with no rays.”

In one report this is raised to being a saying of the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam). [2]

[Imaam Al-Albaanee in his book Qiyaam Ramadaan (pg. 18-19)]

The Night of Al-Qadr is to be sought:

The Night of Al-Qadr is in the last ten nights of Ramadaan, based on the saying of the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam): “Search for the Night of Al-Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadaan.” [Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim] And it falls in one of the odd nights more likely than on the even nights, based on the Prophet’s (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) saying: “Search for the Night of Al-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadaan.” [Al-Bukhaaree] And it is closer to the last seven nights, based on the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Umar (raa) that: “Some men from the Companions of Allaah’s Messenger (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) saw the Night of Al-Qadr in a dream during the last seven nights (of Ramadaan). So the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said: ‘I see that all of your dreams agree that it (the Night of Al-Qadr) is in the last seven nights. So whoever wants to search for it, then let him search for it in the last seven nights.'” [Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim] And it is also based on the hadeeth in Muslim from Ibn ‘Umar (raa) that the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said: “Look for it in the last ten nights. But if one of you becomes weak or is unable, then do not let the remaining (last) seven nights overcome him.”

Amongst the odd nights in the last seven nights, it is closest to the twenty-seventh night due to the hadeeth of Ubay Bin Ka’ab (raa) who said: “By Allaah, I know which night it is. It is on the night that Allaah’s Messenger (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) commanded us to perform the Night Prayer. It is on the twenty-seventh night.” [Muslim]

The Night of Al-Qadr is not specified to one fixed night throughout all the years. Rather, it constantly changes. So one year it could occur on the twenty-seventh night for example and on another year it could occur on the twenty-fifth night, according to Allaah’s Will and Wisdom. What directs us to this is the Prophet’s (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) saying: “Look for it (i.e. the Night of Al-Qadr) when there remain nine nights, when there remains seven nights, or when there remains five nights (i.e. 21st, 23rd, and 25th respectively without mention of 27th).”

Al-Haafidh Ibn Hajr said in Fath-ul-Baaree: “The most strongest opinion is that it is on an odd night in the last ten nights and that it constantly changes.”

Allaah has hidden knowledge of its occurrence from His servants out of mercy for them so that they can increase their actions in the search for it during these honorable nights, by praying, making dhikr and supplicating. So they grow and increase in the nearness to Allaah and His reward. And He also kept it hidden from them as a test for them to distinguish who amongst them struggles and makes an effort to find it and who is lazy and negligent. This is since whoever constantly strives for something, he will exert himself in his search for it and trouble himself in finding it and achieving it.

And perhaps Allaah discloses the time of its occurrence to some of His servants through signs and signals, which one is able to see, just as the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) saw its sign that he would be prostrating in mud on its following morning. So it rained on that night and he prayed the (following) morning (Fajr) prayer in mud.

[Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saalih Al-‘Uthaimeen in his book Majaalis Shahr Ramadaan (pg. 106-107)]

Footnotes:

[1] Reported by Al-Bukhaaree, Muslim and others from the narration of Abu Hurairah (raa) and by Ahmad (5/318) from the narration of ‘Ubaadah Ibn As-Saamit (raa). The addition to it in […] belongs to him and to Muslim from Abu Hurairah.

[2] Reported by Muslim and others and it is referenced in Saheeh Abee Dawood (1247)

The Way to Perform the Night Prayer : Shaykh al-Albanee

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Author:Imaam Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen Al-Albaanee
Source:Qiyaam Ramadaan (pg. 28-30)
Translator:isma’eel alarcon (for al-manhaj.com)

I spoke in detail about this subject in my book Salaat at-Taraaweeh (pg. 101-115), so I felt that I should abridge that discussion here in order to make it easy for the reader and to remind him:

The First Manner: consists of thirteen rak’aat, which is commenced with two short rak’aat. According to the most correct opinion, these are the two rak’aat of Sunnah prayer offered after ‘Ishaa, or they are two specific rak’aat by which one begins the Night Prayer, as has been stated previously. Then one prays two very long rak’aat (after that). Then two more rak’aat are prayed, and then another two rak’aat are prayed. Then two more rak’aat are prayed and another set of two rak’aat are prayed. Then witr is made with one rak’ah.

The Second Manner: consists of thirteen rak’aat. There are eight rak’aat within them, in which one makes tasleem after every two rak’aat. Then witr is made with five rak’aat and one does not sit nor make the tasleem except in the fifth rak’ah.

The Third Manner: consists of eleven rak’aat, in which one makes tasleem after every two rak’aat and then prays witr at the end with one rak’ah.

The Fourth Manner: consists of eleven rak’aat, in which one prays four rak’aat and makes one tasleem after the four. The he prays another four in a similar manner and ends it with three rak’aat (for witr).

Would the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) remain in the sitting position after every two rak’aat, when praying a unit of four rak’aat or a unit of three rak’aat? We do not find a clear answer for this, but remaining in the sitting position (for tashahhud) while doing a unit of three rak’aat is not legislated (in the Religion)!

The Fifth Manner: consists of eleven rak’aat, in which one prays eight rak’aat and does not sit in any of them except for the eighth rak’ah. While sitting (in the eighth rak’ah), he makes the tashahhud and sends Salaat on the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) and then stands up again without making the tasleem. Then he makes witr with one rak’ah and when finished, he makes the tasleem. This consists of nine rak’aat. Then he prays two rak’aat after that while in the sitting position.

The Sixth Manner: One prays nine rak’aat, in which he does not sit except after the sixth rak’ah. Then he makes the tashahhud and sends Salaat on the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) and then stands again without making the tasleem. Then he makes witr with three rak’aat and when finished, he makes the tasleem, etc. (the rest is the same as the previous manner)

These are the manners in which it is reported that the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) performed the Night Prayer. It is possible to add other types of manners to it, by subtracting what one wishes from each set of rak’aat until he cuts it down to one rak’ah, acting on the previously mentioned hadeeth of Allaah’s Messenger (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam): “So whoever wishes, then let him pray witr with five rak’aat, and whoever wishes, then let him pray witr with three rak’aat, and whoever wishes, then let him pray witr with one rak’ah.”

So if one wants, he can pray these five rak’aat or three rak’aat with one sitting and one tasleem, as is stated in the Second Manner. And if he wants, he can make tasleem after every two rak’aat, as is stated in the Third Manner, and this is preferred.

As for praying the set of five rak’aat or three rak’aat by sitting after every two rak’aat and not making the tasleem, then we did not find any authentic report that the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) used to do this. The asl (foundation) is that it is permissible, but since the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) forbade us from praying witr with three rak’aat indicating the reason for that by saying: “And do not liken it to the Maghrib prayer.” [1] So then anyone that prays the witr in three rak’aat must not liken it to the Maghrib prayer. This can be done in two ways:

1. Making the tasleem between the even and odd number rak’ah (i.e. between the second and the third rak’ah). This is what is more strong and preferred.

2. One does not sit between the even and odd number (i.e. he prays three rak’aat straight with one tasleem), and Allaah knows best.

Footnotes:

[1] Reported by At-Tahaawee, Ad-Daraqutnee and others. See At-Taraaweeh (pg. 99 & 110)

Ramadan A Reminder of Unity : Shaykh al-Albanee

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By Imam Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen Al-Albaanee
Source: Silsilatul-Ahaadeeth As-Saheehah (1/442-445)
Translated by Al-Istiqaamah Newsletter [1]
al-manhaj.com

Abu Hurayrah (radhi Allaahu anhu) related that the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said:

“Fast when they fast, end the fast when they end theirs, and sacrifice the day that they sacrifice.” [2]

Al-Bayhaqee relates by way of Abu Haneefah, who said: ‘Alee ibn al-Aqmar related to me, from Masrooq, who said: I entered upon ‘Aaishah on the day of ‘Arafah, so she said: “Serve Masrooq with some gruel, and make it more sweet.” Masrooq said: Nothing prevented me from fasting this day except that I feared that it may be the day of Sacrifice. So ‘Aa’ishah said to me: “The day of Sacrifice is when the people sacrifice, and the day of ending the fast is when the people end their fast.” This chain of narration is jayyid (good) due to what has preceded.

Understanding This Hadeeth:

Imaam at-Tirmidhee says after quoting the hadeeth: “One of the people of knowledge has explained this hadeeth by saying: Its meaning is to fast and end the fast along with the Jamaa’ah and the majority of people.”

As-San’aanee said in Sublus-Salaam (2/72): “In this (hadeeth) is a proof that being in agreement with the people is accepted in establishing ‘Eed, and that the individual person who believes that it is the day of ‘Eed – because of the sighting of the moon – then it is obligatory upon him to be in agreement with the people, and that the ruling of the people – concerning the Prayer, breaking the fast, and sacrificing – is binding upon the individual.”

Ibn al-Qayyim (rahimahullaah) mentioned this meaning in Tahdheebus-Sunan (3/214), and said: “It is said: In it a refutation of those who say that whosoever knows the positions of the moon due to astronomical calculations, then it is permissible for him to fast and end the fast, even if others do not know. It is also said: That the individual witness who sees the moon, but the qaadee (judge) has not accepted his testimony, then there is no fasting for him, just as there is no fasting for the people.”

Abul-Hasan as-Sindee said in Haashiyah ‘alaa Ibn Maajah, after mentioning the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah which was related by at-Tirmidhee: “And its apparent meaning is: That there is no room for individual (opinions) to enter into these affairs, nor to act individually in this. Rather, this affair goes back to the Imaam (the Leader of the Muslims) and the Jamaa’ah (united body of Muslims under the Imaam). It is obligatory upon the individuals to follow the Imaam and the Jamaa’ah. From this is that is an individual sights the moon, but the qaadee rejects his witness, then the individual has no right in these matters, but rather he must follow the Jamaa’ah in this.”

And this is the meaning which is evident from the hadeeth, and which is emphasized by the fact that ‘Aa’ishah (radhi Allahu anha) used it with Masrooq when he prevented himself from fasting on the day of ‘Arafah, fearing that it could be the day of Sacrifice. So she explained to him that there is no weight given to his individual opinion in this, and that he should follow the Jamaa’ah. So she said to him: “The day of Sacrifice is when the people sacrifice, and the day of ending the fast is when the people end their fast.”

Unity is One of the Goals of the Sharee’ah

And this is what is befitting for the easy-natured and tolerant Sharee’ah (Prescribed Islaamic Law), one of the goals of which is uniting the people together, unifying their ranks and keeping away from them all that would split their comprehensive unity – from the individual opinions. So the Sharee’ah does not give any weight to the individual opinion in matters concerning ‘ibaadah jamaa’iyyah (collective acts of worship), such as Fasting, ‘Eed and Prayer in congregation – even if the opinion is correct, from one angle. Do you not see that the Sahaabah (the Companions) – radiallaahu ‘anhum – used to pray behind each other. So from them were those who held the view that touching a woman, or the flowing of blood from the body invalidates the wudhoo’ (ablution), along with those who did not hold this view. From them were those who would complete the Prayer whilst traveling, whilst others shortened. Yet these, and other such differences, did not prevent them from collectively praying behind a single Imaam and deeming it to be acceptable. And this is because they knew that tafarruq (splitting-up) in the Religion is more evil than having ikhtilaaf (differences) in some opinions. Indeed, the matter with one of them reached the extent that he would not even deem acceptable any opinion which differed with the great Imaam in the major gatherings; such as the gathering at Minaa (during Hajj), to the extent that he would totally abandon acting upon his opinion in that gathering – fleeing from that which could result from this evil, because of acting according to his own opinion.

Thus, Abu Daawood relates (1/307) that ‘Uthmaan (raa) prayed four rak’ahs at Minaa, so ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood criticized him saying: “I prayed two rak’ahs with the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) and two rak’ahs with Abu Bakr, and two rak’ahs with ‘Umar, and two rak’ahs with ‘Uthmaan in the beginning of his rule, then he completed it (i.e. by praying four rak’ahs). After that the ways became divided with you all. So I hope from these four rak’ahs, that two of them would be accepted.” Then Ibn Mas’ood prayed four rak’ahs. So it was said to him: You criticized ‘Uthmaan, yet you prayed four? So he said: “Differing is evil.”

Its chain of narration is Saheeh (authentic), and something similar to this is related in the Musnad (5/155) of Imaam Ahmad, from Abu Dharr (radhi Allaahu anhu).

So those who continue splitting-up with regards to the Prayer, and who refuse to follow the local Imaams in some mosques – especially in the witr Prayer during Ramadaan – using as proof that this is against their madhhab (school of thought), then they should reflect upon the above mentioned hadeeth and athar (narration). Likewise, those who claim knowledge of astronomy and who, due to their opinion, fast and end their fast alone – preceding or lagging behind the majority of Muslims, not seeing any problem in doing so – should also reflect upon the previously quoted proofs. So all of them should consider, and reflect upon the knowledge that has been mentioned. Perhaps they will find for themselves a cure for their ignorance and self-delusion, so that they may then become a unified rank along with their Muslim brothers – for indeed the Hand of Allaah Subhanahu wa Taa’ala is over the Jamaa’ah.

Footnotes:

[1] Silsilatul-Ahaadeethus-Saheehah (1/442-445), the hadeeth authentications have been abridged and edited.

[2] Saheeh: Related by at-Tirmidhee (2/37). Shaykh al-Albaanee authenticated it in As-Saheehah (no.224)

 

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